The HSAAC has been very welcoming, inclusive and seems to truly value my input; I am a parent with a strong passion for educational equity. HSAAC allows me to connect with like- minded education policy advocates. The diverse perspectives, opinions and experiences of my fellow HSAAC members continues to provide me with a rich and valuable experience. My professional network has expanded dramatically, providing access to spaces, places and people I otherwise wouldn’t have had access to. The committee provides non-lawyers and advocates, such as myself, with a mechanism for influencing education policy and procedures through our direct connection with the Department of Education (DOE)’s Office of Student Enrollment. Many of the committee’s members work with and represent the students and families affected by the DOE’s policy decisions allowing for direct engagement and real-time feedback from their constituents. Through the committee’s work, I am empowered and encouraged to see how intended and unintended effects of education policies and procedures serve to advantage some, while disadvantaging others. HSAAC is working to address issues of inequity, draft policy solutions and assist in their implementation.
Mahalia Watson Founder, Let’s Talk Schools, New York City
Pursuing Educational Equity | 31
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