Supporting Family Engagement, Advocacy, and Empowerment

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the pandemic has spotlighted the persistent inequities for Black children and youth in the education system to a heightened degree; and

WHEREAS, Black students are disproportionately impacted by inequitable systemic issues in education such as teacher shortages, zero tolerance discipline practices, misrepresentation in special education categories, exclusion of parents and guardians in decision making processes, and lack of access to college and career opportunities to name a few; and

WHEREAS, To change the educational landscape for Black children and youth, Black parents and guardians must be equitably included in all aspects of their children's educational experiences including curriculum, legal, and transition processes and made aware of all activities impacting their children.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms its 2008 resolution, Strengthening the African American Family.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP will create necessary tools and services needed to promote engagement, advocacy, and empowerment, including, but not limited to, model programs, parent brochures, local research, necessary convening, guides and/or toolkits to equip parents with the tools to eradicate the contributing factors to inequitable educational experiences and outcomes for Black students.