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21 September, 2020
Russlynn Ali, Co-founder and CEO of the XQ Institute, begins the discussion by sharing a sense of optimism that this moment of social unrest has awakened people of all ages and races to the systemic inequities and racist policies that are prevalent in society today.
In an interview with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development at The Conference Board, Ali emphasizes how education, and the way in which instruction is delivered, can shape the trajectory of one’s life. She also reflects on the role of the private sector and encourages businesses to embed themselves within the teaching and development that occurs at the school level.
“It is quite clear that this pandemic is bringing about a massive disruption in the way we do school in America and it’s also quite clear that we have needed a massive transformation for a very long time,” says Ali. “If there is any opportunity in this crisis, it is to rebuild our schools in a way that truly serves our nation’s young people… the system of public schooling in America and ensuring it works as intended is ‘the great equalizer’ as Thomas Jefferson said. It is the most important civil rights issue of our generation.”
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