The South Dakota Education Equity Coalition is outraged by recent U. S. Dept. of Education report
The South Dakota Education Equity Coalition (SDEEC) is outraged by the recent findings of the U.S. Department of Education’s report on the Rapid City Area Schools (district headquarters are seen above in an image from the RCAS Facebook page). The report highlights severe inequities and systemic failures that disproportionately harm Native American students, reinforcing the urgent need for the existence and work of SDEEC.
The findings of this report underscore the critical importance of our mission. We will fearlessly advocate for our Indigenous students and demand their voices be heard and their needs addressed.
The report reveals that Native American students are the primary group affected by these inequities, facing significant barriers in their educational experiences. This is not just a failure of the Rapid City school district but a broader systemic issue that requires immediate and comprehensive action.
Key points from the report:
Native American students are disproportionately disciplined and face higher rates of suspension and expulsion compared to their peers.
There is a lack of culturally relevant curricula and support services that respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
The achievement gap between Native American students and their peers remains wide, with inadequate resources allocated to address this disparity.
SDEEC’s call to action:
We demand answers from the Rapid City school district and a clear, actionable plan to move forward. This plan must involve identifying stakeholders and collaborating with Native leaders to find solutions.
The responsibility for improving educational outcomes for Indigenous students does not rest solely on our shoulders. It is imperative that our leaders in government and education work together to create an equitable system that supports ALL students.
The public school system must allow for Native input in developing solutions. Trust us, give us power as Native leaders, and bring us to the table.
Our students deserve better, and we will not rest until we see real change. The time for action is now, and we expect our leaders to step up and take responsibility for creating an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all.
The South Dakota Education Equity Coalition is dedicated to creating educational environments that are innovative, equitable, and inclusive for Indigenous youth. Our work focuses on promoting the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings, advocating for educational access based on language, culture, and traditional ways of being, and supporting treaty rights for students, families, and communities.
Sarah White of Rapid City is the founder and executive director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition.
