James A. Banks is a renowned scholar and educator who has dedicated his career to promoting diversity and equity in education. He currently holds the Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed Chair in Diversity Studies Emeritus and is the founding director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington. On October 24, 2019, Banks delivered the prestigious Brown Lecture in Education Research, titled “Rethinking Brown When Diversity and Equity are Imperiled and Democracy is Fragile.” This lecture was a powerful call to action for educators and policymakers to address the pressing issues of diversity, equity, and democracy in our education systems.
Banks began his lecture by acknowledging the significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, which declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. He praised the efforts of the civil rights activists who fought for this landmark decision and recognized the progress that has been made in terms of desegregation and access to education for marginalized communities. However, he also highlighted the current challenges facing our education systems, including the rise of racial and ethnic tensions, the growing wealth gap, and the erosion of democratic values.
In his lecture, Banks emphasized the need for a more comprehensive understanding of diversity, beyond just race and ethnicity. He argued that diversity should also encompass other dimensions such as gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and socioeconomic status. This broader understanding of diversity is crucial for creating inclusive and equitable learning environments that validate and celebrate the diverse identities and experiences of all students.
Banks also highlighted the importance of equity in education, which goes beyond equal access to education. He argued that true equity requires addressing the systemic barriers and inequalities that prevent marginalized students from achieving academic success. These barriers can include inadequate resources, biased curriculum, and discriminatory disciplinary practices. Banks urged educators to actively work towards dismantling these barriers and creating equitable learning opportunities for all students.
One of the key themes of Banks’ lecture was the intersection of diversity and democracy in education. He emphasized that a truly democratic society requires an education system that values and embraces diversity. He called for educators to teach students about their civic responsibilities and to foster critical thinking skills that will enable them to challenge injustice and promote democratic values. Banks also stressed the importance of creating culturally responsive curricula that reflect the diverse perspectives and histories of all students.
Banks’ lecture was not just a critique of the current state of education, but also a call to action for educators and policymakers. He urged them to take a more proactive and intentional approach towards promoting diversity, equity, and democracy in education. This requires a commitment to ongoing professional development, engaging in difficult conversations about race and identity, and actively working to dismantle systems of oppression in our education systems.
In conclusion, James A. Banks’ Brown Lecture in Education Research was a powerful and timely reminder of the urgent need to prioritize diversity, equity, and democracy in our education systems. As we reflect on the progress made since the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we must also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to create truly inclusive and equitable learning environments. Banks’ lecture serves as a call to action for all of us to work towards a more just and democratic society through education.
