ICE raids and anti-Black racism are creating a climate of fear and trauma for immigrant students, undermining their mental health and ability to learn. Advocates and educators warn that without urgent protections and systemic reforms, schools will continue to fail the vulnerable students they’re meant to serve.
Author Archives: Quintessa Williams
Posted inWord In Black
Chronically absent: Why Black kids are still missing from classrooms
Chronic absenteeism in public schools has surged post-pandemic, with nearly 40% of Black students missing 10% or more of the school year—far above the national average. Experts cite systemic barriers like housing insecurity, school disinvestment, and political attacks on education, calling for community-driven solutions that reengage students and support families.
Posted inOpinion
Why do schools keep failing Black kids?
Despite dire statistics, advocates say there is hope — and progress — in American cities, where investments in youth programs are beginning to improve outcomes for Black students.
Posted inMental Health
Why school has more Black kids thinking about suicide
A new report from The AAKOMA Project reveals alarming rates of suicide consideration and self-harm among Black youth, with experts citing racism in schools—ranging from biased discipline to racial trauma inflicted by staff—as a key driver of the crisis. Despite clear warning signs, many Black students, particularly boys, remain underserved by mental health systems, prompting calls for culturally responsive, healing-centered approaches in education.
Posted inCommentary
Black boys matter: Why are they disappearing from schools?
The absence of young Black men in college reflects a long-standing pattern of systemic exclusion that begins in early childhood, with disproportionate discipline and a lack of support in K–12 education. Experts call for reimagining schools as spaces of healing, affirmation and culturally sustaining education that honor the full humanity of Black boys.
Posted inWord In Black
College inclusion, equity and diversity probes undermine high school success
By Quintessa WilliamsWord in Black When the Department of Education announced in March that they would investigate admissions practices at 50 of the nation’s elite colleges and universities, it declared that school equity, diversity and inclusion policies exclude qualified White and Asian college-bound students from campus. Implied but not stated in the directive, experts say, […]
Posted inU.S. Government
Axing of Dept. of Education beginsÂ
The White House signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise to MAGA supporters, but sparking backlash from civil rights groups who warn it will disproportionately harm Black students. The move, which includes mass layoffs and a directive to transfer education authority to states, has been criticized as a threat to equity, student civil rights protections, and funding for underprivileged schools.