Letter from BEAC President: We Hope You Will Attend the 4th Annual Equity Conference!

It is with great pride and anticipation that I encourage you all to attend this year’s conference. Our team at BEAC has worked with purpose and passion to create a space where equity is not only discussed—but meaningfully advanced. As we convene for our fourth year, we are confident that this event will continue to grow as the premier equity-centered conference for school board members, superintendents, district and school leaders, educators, and community stakeholders across the nation.

Your commitment to join us during these unprecedented times is both timely and courageous.

In the face of growing national opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives——research and reality continue to affirm the critical importance of equity-focused leadership in education. Studies consistently show that when schools implement inclusive and culturally responsive practices, student achievement, engagement, and belonging increase across all demographic groups. Moreover, equity-centered leadership is essential in addressing systemic disparities that have historically underserved students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income backgrounds.

Educational equity is not a political preference—it is a moral and professional imperative.

This year’s conference theme, “Leading with Equity: From the Boardroom to the Classroom,” is reflected in every keynote, panel, and breakout session. We are honored to welcome Dr. Sharon Kherat, Illinois Superintendent of the Year, who will share powerful strategies for district-level equity leadership. Additional sessions will address timely and critical topics, including:

• Equity-focused school and district leadership

• Updates on DEI policy and legal guidance

• Social-emotional learning (SEL) with a trauma-informed lens

• Addressing educational disparities through culturally responsive pedagogy

• Artificial intelligence and its implications for instructional leadership

• Liberatory leadership frameworks

• Policies and procedures that operationalize equity in schools

I encourage you to connect, collaborate, and challenge one another throughout the conference. This is your opportunity to be reinvigorated, to reimagine equity in bold ways, and to return to your districts equipped to lead transformative change.

In closing, I extend deep gratitude to our sponsors, presenters, planning committee, and each of you who made the commitment to be here. Your presence is a testament to your leadership—and to the shared belief that every child deserves access, opportunity, and excellence.

I look forward to learning with you and hope your experience here is both enriching and empowering.

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Patrick L. Rice

President

Black Educational Advocacy Coalition (BEAC)