educational equity

The concept of diversity, equity and inclusion has been thrust into the political spotlight as President Donald Trump targets programs on college campuses that try to support historically underrepresented groups. But Kansas experts say that DEI is being misrepresented.

The bill includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against natural Black hairstyles. But many House Democrats argue it also contains language that could protect campus student groups that engage in discriminatory behavior.

Tara Blunt spent months asking officials at Falls City Public Schools for help as her son dealt with racism and physical abuse at school. Now, she’s sued a gutted U.S. Department of Education for taking too long to investigate.

Kansas City Public Schools has goals to increase its numbers of Black and Latino teachers. A parents’ group says that’s race-based hiring and it’s discriminatory.

The National Assessment of Education Progress found Missouri and other states made small gains in some areas, but students are struggling to return to pre-pandemic math and reading levels.

In our series “Unhoused/Unschooled,” The Midwest Newsroom and its regional partners explored the complicated federal system designed to support K-12 public school students experiencing homelessness, particularly in rural communities.

Academic performance at most public schools has improved, but attendance is not back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report from the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education.

States had until the end of September to distribute federal rescue funds to school districts to help students struggling with housing get equal access to education. Barring extensions, most states will leave money on the table — including several in the Midwest.

MidAmerica Nazarene University will study the Madam C.J. Walker School, which was the subject of an important desegregation lawsuit in the 1940s.

Some Kansas lawmakers say police are not doing enough to address crime stemming from homelessness — but advocates say making more arrests will actually make the problem worse. Plus: Rural Midwest school districts don't have enough funding to fulfill their promises to educate homeless students.

More than 4,800 students are considered homeless in Nebraska, and school districts can do only so much to help. Many rely on partnerships with local organizations to support student needs outside of school.

Parents play a vital role in a student's success. In her new book "Building Parent Capacity in High-Poverty Schools: Actions for Authentic," Topeka Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Anderson shares how to remove barriers that prevent parents from being involved in a student's education.