Washington Informer Education: Equity, Advocacy & Student Voices

**FILE** President Joe Biden has announced comprehensive plans to provide substantial relief to student loan borrowers, particularly those from marginalized communities disproportionately burdened by debt. (WI photo)

Biden Unveils Sweeping Student Loan Relief Plans, Targeting Racial Disparities

by Stacy M. Brown April 8, 2024April 8, 2024

A new study has found that Black male elementary school students with Black teachers are less likely to be identified for special education services. (Courtesy of Pexels, RDNE Stock Project)

Black Teachers Help Keep Black Boys Out of Special Education

by Aziah Siid, Special to The Informer via Word in Black April 3, 2024April 3, 2024

The “A Different World” HBCU College Tour 2024 will visit Howard University on April 9. (Courtesy photo)

‘A Different World’ HBCU College Tour Promotes Networking, Emphasizes Building Generational Wealth

by Micha Green April 3, 2024December 11, 2024

**FILE** D.C. Council member Zachary Parker is one of the local legislators working to address chronic absenteeism through his bill, the Showing Up for Students Amendment Act. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

A Slew of Legislation on the Way to Tackle Truancy

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. March 27, 2024March 27, 2024

**FILE** According to the first-ever Education Week 2024 Teacher Morale Index, Black teachers report the strongest morale, while teachers who are white or of two or more races have more negative morale. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Teachers’ ‘Black Tax’: Longer Hours, Lower Pay, Better Attitude

by Joseph Williams, Special to The Informer via Word in Black March 20, 2024March 20, 2024

Dr. Maurice D. Edington officially entered his role as president of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) during an investiture ceremony on March 14. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Dr. Maurice D. Edington Inaugurated as UDC’s President

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. March 14, 2024March 18, 2024

**FILE** Five parents and The Arc of the United States are working with lawyers to sue the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in order to improve the transportation system students with disabilities. (WI photo)

Parents Sue OSSE for Adequate Transportation

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. March 11, 2024March 15, 2024

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) celebrates its 80th anniversary and honors those who work to support the legacy. (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

UNCF Celebrates 80 Years of Working to Advance Black Educational Opportunities

by Micha Green March 8, 2024March 8, 2024

**FILE** Washington Teachers’ Union is advocating that D.C. Public Schools hire more athletic trainers, as the student-athlete population has tripled in the past 32 years. (Marus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

Athletic Trainer Shortage Dominates Teacher Contract Negotiations

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. March 6, 2024March 15, 2024

Students competed in the 2024 Prince George's County Spelling Bee held at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of University of Maryland. Victoria McFetridge was the winner and John Johnson was the runner-up (front row center). (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

2024 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee

by Richard D. Elliott March 6, 2024March 6, 2024