Navigating Community and Legislative Tensions: How a Superintendent Advocates for Educational Equity in a Changing Political Context

This case tells the story of how Superintendent Evelyn James supported her district’s commitment to an equity-oriented leadership initiative while also navigating new anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion legislation targeted at schools and districts. This case focuses on the impact of district-level professional learning communities, the influence of power and privilege on district leadership decision-making, and the implementation of equity-oriented education practices and policies. This case also highlights numerous tensions between local and state policies, and how district leaders must make daily decisions about educational equity that consider the needs of all invested constituents.