Terrence Gladney addressing the meeting on Thursday (SCUSD). Img source: kmph.com
June 25, 2024 Story by: Editor
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Terrence Gladney, chair of the Sacramento City Unified School District’s Black/African American Advisory Board (BAAAB), staged a determined stand at a recent school board meeting to demand accountability for the unequal treatment of Black students.
Gladney, leading the BAAAB aimed at addressing various educational disparities affecting Black students, highlighted concerns during his annual update to the SCUSD Board of Education in May. He pointed out that while Black students constitute 11.9% of the district’s population, they make up 18.4% of those enrolled in special education, reflecting disproportionate representation. Additionally, issues regarding disciplinary actions impacting Black students were underscored.
Returning to the board in forceful advocacy, Gladney expressed frustration over what he perceived as a lack of action on his committee’s recommendations. “We were the first to give you guys an ‘F’,” Gladney asserted, emphasizing the urgency of addressing systemic issues affecting Black students. Despite his impassioned plea, the board declined to address the concerns directly, citing procedural constraints.
Gladney’s persistence led to a tense standoff, refusing to yield until his questions were addressed, resulting in a brief interruption before security intervened.
The SCUSD Board of Education acknowledged the need for action, promising to incorporate BAAAB’s recommendations into upcoming meetings to foster tangible change in special education services and disciplinary practices.
In a broader context, educational disparities persist across California, as highlighted by data indicating significant achievement gaps between Black and White students in math proficiency.
Similar concerns have been voiced nationwide, echoing sentiments from educational activists like Chester Asher in St. Louis, who criticized disparities in educational environments that detrimentally impact Black students.
Moving forward, SCUSD aims to implement strategies enhancing accountability and support for Black students, aligning with ongoing efforts to bridge educational gaps and ensure equitable outcomes. Source: FOX 26 News
