Erika's Corner: March

Erika's Corner header with Erika Wilkins headshot

This is Erika's monthly message from our e-newsletter. Sign up to receive future issues.

Right now, lawmakers from Washington, D.C. to Raleigh are actively working to weaken our public school systems. They are restricting what educators can teach, diverting resources away from students who need them the most, and targeting schools that try to create a safe, inclusive environment for all students.

We can’t let them get away with it, not without a fight. But first, we must understand what it is we are exactly fighting.

What Is Happening Now

At a federal level

  • Last Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE). Though this action isn’t official without congressional approval, it does signal the federal administration’s priorities: to shift more responsibility for public education to the states. 

  • Federal dollars and protections help Durham fill gaps that North Carolina has historically failed to address. To learn more, read our full statement about the executive order in English or Spanish.

At a state level

  • North Carolina ranks 43rd in per-pupil spending, allocating just $10,655 per student—far below the national average (Education Law Center).

  • The Leandro ruling confirmed that NC is violating its constitutional duty to fund public schools, yet lawmakers refuse to act (Public School Forum of NC).

  • Instead of investing in public schools, lawmakers funneled $463 million in taxpayer dollars to private school vouchers in 2024 alone (NC Policy Watch).

While we have recently gotten some positive state news (which we’ve highlighted in the What Can You Do section), we must remain on guard and proactive.

What’s On Our Minds Today

On March 6, the NC Senate passed Senate Bill 227, which would ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 public schools. If passed by the House and signed into law, SB 227 will:

  • Eliminate DEI programs and funding in public schools

  • Restrict discussions on systemic racism and diverse histories

  • Limit student support services for marginalized communities

What SB 227 Means for Durham

SB 227 comes on top of the existing issues our community is already facing under the new administration, including the ongoing fears and anxieties being experienced by our immigrant families and our transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive DPS community members.

If passed, SB 227 would have far-reaching consequences for our community:

  • Students: If schools are forced to erase materials on race, gender, and identity, students from marginalized backgrounds would be even more vulnerable to bullying, exclusion, unfair discipline practices, and lower academic outcomes (Learning Policy Institute & Brookings).

  • Teachers: According to a recent EducationWeek report, 58% of NC teachers said their morale would improve if their schools embraced DEI more. Cutting DEI efforts could negatively impact teachers’ well-being, leading to increased burnout and resignations. 

  • Families: The relationships between schools and families from marginalized backgrounds would likely falter, as these families wouldn’t be able to properly advocate for their students or feel as supported.

  • Economy: Schools without DEI fail to prepare students for a diverse workforce, weakening NC’s economic future (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation).

  • Safety & Well-Being: Schools with inclusive policies report less bullying and better student mental health. Removing DEI will make schools less safe (The Trevor Project).

What Can You Do Now

✅ Support our teachers. Stand with educators who continue to create affirming, inclusive learning spaces—even when policies make it harder. Show your support of Durham’s affordable housing bill for teachers and proposed raises for teachers in House Bill 192 and Gov. Josh Stein’s budget proposal, which also includes a proposal for public school construction and repairs.

✅ Create belonging in our schools. Learn about marginalized students’ experiences, advocate for policies that protect them, and ensure they see themselves in the curriculum.

✅ Learn and share resources. Use your voice to educate others about what’s happening and provide tools to push back.

✅ Show up and speak out. Call or email your NC house representative to vote No on SB 227. Keep showing up to your local city council, county council, and school board meetings. Demand that all schools, including Durham Public Schools, maintain equity-driven policies—even if state funding is at risk.

Together, we’ve fought for public education before. Let’s stay prepared to fight again.

 
 

DPSF’s Commitment to Our Communities

At Durham Public Schools Foundation, we believe that public education should serve, affirm, and uplift every student. That’s why we’re taking direct action to support our most impacted communities. Please check out these resources recently shared to support our immigrant families and transgender and gender-expansive DPS students, educators, and staff:

Stephanie Turner