An Update from Sharif: A Victory for Academic Freedom
Protecting Black Educators, All Students & Our Future
Dear CBED friends and family,
In my letter last year, Why We Must Act, I shared the growing pressure on educators to retreat from conversations about race, identity, and equity.
In a victory for academic freedom and education equity, the U.S. Department of Education this month conceded the end of its February 14, 2025, “Dear Colleague” directive that sought to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in schools and higher education institutions nationwide.
The directive and subsequent certification requirements are vacated – meaning they are formally nullified. The district court has issued a final ruling, permanently invalidating the directive and preventing the government from enforcing, relying on, or reviving it. As a result, the challenged guidance is no longer in effect and cannot be enforced against anyone, anywhere nationwide.
The ruling affirms what educators and communities have long known: celebrating the full existence of every person and sharing the truth about our history is essential. This decision protects educators' livelihoods and their responsibility to teach honestly. At a time when communities are facing severe teacher shortages, it sends a clear message that teachers can enter and stay in the profession, bringing their full selves to the classroom and fostering inclusive environments that prepare students for the future.
At the same time, we must be honest about what truly drives recruitment and retention challenges in education today. There are longstanding structural issues, from inadequate compensation to limited professional support, that demand our collective attention. As a country, our energy and resources should be focused on strengthening the educator pipeline and supporting those who serve our students, not attempting to block truth from being taught.
We also cannot ignore that the initial wave of directives created a chilling effect that this ruling alone may not fully undo. Now is the time for courageous leadership across schools, districts, and communities to ensure the teacher pipeline and classrooms advance equity — not undermine it.
At the Center for Black Educator Development, our commitment to this work remains unwavering. We believe:
- Black educators are essential to educational excellence.
- Truth-telling strengthens our democracy.
- Equity is not optional. It is a responsibility.
We will continue rebuilding the Black educator pipeline, providing culturally affirming professional learning, and building networks of solidarity and support.
This moment reminds us that collective action works. When educators, civil rights leaders, and communities act together, harmful overreach can be challenged and defeated.
In solidarity,
Sharif El-Mekki
Founder & CEO
Center for Black Educator Development
