Equity Unlocked

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Katie Pekel, Executive Director of Educational Leadership at the University of Minnesota, reflects on her long-standing work with Dr. Muhammad Khalifa and the development of the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Academy. Drawing on her experience as a K–12 teacher and principal, principal development leader, and higher education administrator, Dr. Pekel discusses what school leaders are facing in the current political climate, including backlash against equity work and the loss of key educational resources and funding. She offers guidance for leaders seeking to stay grounded, engage communities with humility, and keep student humanity at the center of culturally responsive leadership. Access the show notes at crsli.org/blog

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Patrick Duffy, author of Becoming an Antiracist School Leader: Dare to Be Real, reflects on the personal experiences and professional journey that shaped his approach to antiracist and culturally responsive leadership. He discusses key tenets from his leadership framework, including the need for adult collaboration focused on racial equity, authentic family and community partnership, and the belief that schools can and should be safe and sacred spaces where students and educators can bring their full identities. Dr. Duffy also shares how the tragic loss of his daughter and her grandfather informed his forthcoming book, Schools at the Center, and deepened his thinking about schools as civic and spiritual centers that can strengthen democracy through substantive integration across race, class, culture, and faith. Throughout the conversation, he offers guidance for leaders navigating political backlash and "pendulum shifts," emphasizing self-knowledge, reflection, truth-telling, and building systems capable of outlasting a single leader. He closes by describing his upcoming work through the Becoming Leadership Group and a new Teachers College Press summit series designed to connect students and educators, reclaim the meaning of equity work, and turn this moment into a movement. Find out more at crsli.org/blog.

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, we hear from four Twin Cities educators who talk honestly about what it means to teach in today's political and social climate. The teachers featured in this episode are participants in the TEECH program, a nonprofit founded by Dr. Muhammad Khalifa with the mission to develop community connected educators. The name "TEECH" is an acronym that stands for Teaching for Equity, Empowerment and Community Healing. Hosted by Kandace Logan, Executive Director of TEECH,  the group discusses the real challenges culturally responsive teachers are facing in their school communities today, especially in this political climate. From multilingual classrooms and refugee communities to identity, safety, and student organizing, this conversation centers the lived realities of teachers who are committed to culturally responsive, community-connected practice. Together, they reflect on the power of finding a "third space" for educators and what school leaders need to understand if they want to truly support teachers doing equity-centered work. They not only explore how they're supporting students and families, but also their own wellbeing by finding ways to sustain themselves through the TEECH program. Learn more about the TEECH program and discover how you can partner with TEECH at teeching.org. Find out more about this episode in the show notes at crsli.org/blog. 

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa sits down with longtime colleague Dr. Anthony Muhammad for a reflective and forward-looking conversation centered on Dr. Muhammad's latest book, The Way Forward: PLC at Work and the Bright Future of Education. The discussion explores what it truly means to implement professional learning communities in ways that advance equity rather than compliance. Dr. Muhammad reflects on the historical roots of schooling, the persistence of surface-level reform, and the dangers of knowing better without doing better. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, he offers guidance for school and district leaders who are navigating the current political, cultural, and moral challenges facing equity-centered work in education. You can find out more about this episode in the show notes at crsli.org/blog.

In this episode, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa sits down with Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Dr. Decoteau Irby to discuss their new edited book, Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change. If you've been following the scholarship in this space, you know both Ann and Decoteau as long-time leaders in community-engaged research, critical leadership studies, and racial equity in education. Their new book brings together a wide range of scholars — voices from across the field — to offer grounded, practitioner-focused insights into how wecontinue to do the work of equity leadership in today's climate. Find out more about this episode by checking out the show notes at crsli.org/blog.

In this special solo episode, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa walks listeners through the newly revised Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) framework. Drawing on an extensive new literature review sponsored by the Spencer Foundation, Dr. Khalifa explains why the framework was updated, what has changed, and how these shifts reflect emerging research on culturally responsive leadership, community connection, and transformative school change. This episode offers a practitioner-friendly overview of the strand indiciators, guiding questions, and dispositions that define CRSL in 2026 and beyond. Dr. Khalifa also shares insight from years of working with school leaders nationwide and reflects on how this updated framework can help principals, educators, and communities navigate today's political and cultural challenges. Listeners can download the full framework at crsli.org/blog. Stay tuned for our upcoming 2026 episodes, featuring conversations with leading scholars and practitioners across the field.

In this third and final episode of our three-part series with educator and attorney Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, we explore how school leaders can remain steadfast in their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility amid today's shifting legal landscape. Building on the previous conversations, this episode makes the ethical and practical case for keeping DEIA at the heart of education. Jeremy and the CRSLI team unpack current legal challenges, weigh policy paths, and share actionable, CRSL-aligned recommendations that leaders can implement now—within existing legal frameworks. This episode offers grounded guidance for advancing equity with courage and clarity. You can download and read the accompanying legal brief on our blog at crsli.org/blog

This episode is the second in our three-part series designed to help school leaders navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Dr. Muhammad Khalifa and attorney-educator Jeremy Chan-Kraushar examine how the terms we use—in policy, communication, and daily practice—can shape both legal interpretation and community trust. Together they discuss real-world examples of how terminology influences risk, perception, and outcomes in schools. Each conversation in this series is paired with a companion issue brief authored by the CRSLI team and Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, offering deeper legal context and practical guidance for culturally responsive leaders. Read the full blog post and download the companion issue brief to share with colleagues at CRSLI.org/blog

This episode is the first in a new three-part series from CRSLI designed to help school leaders navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) with confidence and clarity. Each conversation in this series is paired with a companion issue brief authored by the CRSLI team and Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, an educator and attorney. Together, these briefs and episodes provide practical guidance and legal context to support culturally responsive school leaders as they work to advance educational equity while staying within the bounds of current law. In this episode, we unpack what's changing in the legal environment and explore strategies for remaining steadfast in your equity commitments, even as this work faces increasing political and legal challenges. Read the full blog post and download the companion issue brief to share with colleagues here: Read and download the brief

In this episode, we're excited to bring you practical insights into how culturally responsive school leadership can be mobilized with attention to special education, featuring two remarkable scholars, Dr. Precios Armstrong and Dr. Lauren Katzman. Dr. Precios Armstrong is the Director of Special Education at East Lansing Public Schools in Michigan, and Dr. Lauren Katzman is Executive Director of the Urban Collaborative, based out of Arizona State University. You'll hear them discuss their personal journeys into special education, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences, as well as the promises and pitfalls of how special education is organized within the education system. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone committed to supporting students with disabilities and ensuring equitable experiences for all students. Stay Connected: crsli.org

In this episode of Equity Unlocked we're sharing a replay of one of our EQUITYx events, with an extraordinary scholar, Dr. Darrius Stanley, author of #BlackEducatorsMatter: The Experiences of Black Teachers in an Anti-Black World.  In this EQUITYx event, Dr. Stanley will discuss the challenges surrounding the Black educator experience and especially the role that anti-Blackness plays within the K-12 context. He will share findings from the book concerning the profound positive influence Black teachers have on students of color and the systems they work in; historical and contemporary issues that Black educators face; their efforts to fight oppression and institutionalized racism in schools; and the invaluable role that they play in creating humanizing learning experiences and educational systems.  Stay Connected To CRSLI: Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en  Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Carrie Sampson, author of Navigating School Board Politics: Strategies for Equity Amid Resistance, unpacks the critical role of school boards in advancing equity. Reflecting on historical desegregation efforts and community organizing, she highlights how grassroots movements, particularly by Black mothers, have driven change. Dr. Sampson introduces the School Board Governance for Equity framework, emphasizing self-reflection, understanding community needs, and coalition building. She also addresses challenges from conservative opposition and explores how equity work can be normalized even in hostile environments. With insights on proactive leadership, collaboration, and the importance of imagination in educational reform, this conversation offers practical guidance for school board members, educators, and advocates. Stay Connected to Dr. Sampson:  https://search.asu.edu/profile/3016173  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-sampson-2108798b/ Stay Connected To CRSLI: Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en  Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD  

On today's episode of Equity Unlocked we explore an insightful conversation with Jeremy Chan-Kraushar, a licensed attorney and Director of the PEDC CRSE Institute. Jeremy tackles audience submitted questions about the realities of Project 2025, breaking down its impact on the future of education and offering practical strategies for addressing challenges and opportunities. This episode highlights the importance of community and provides valuable perspectives for anyone passionate about advancing equity in education.   Stay Connected to Jeremy:  Consultancy website: jchankraushar.com Social media: @jchankraushar on IG, Threads, and Bluesky PEDC's website: https://www.paeddiversity.org/   Stay Connected To CRSLI: Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en  Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD  

This is your chance to win a proven, comprehensive, research-based audit that identifies your specific equity issues and provides strategies customized for your university or school district.    Apply at the link below: https://us22.list-manage.com/survey?u=1a9b8e23b959bf44e0f5dbc68&id=3d0d2b56fc&attribution=false    

In this powerful episode from our EQUITYx Series, we welcome Dr. Muhammad Khalifa, the founder of the Culturally Responsive School Leadership Institute and author of Culturally Responsive School Leadership. Dr. Khalifa delivers his impactful talk titled "The Missing Component of School Reform: Culturally Responsive School Leadership." Throughout this conversation, Dr. Khalifa unpacks crucial topics, including the tension between equity and dehumanization in schools, the historicization of school reform, and how educational leaders can embrace critical, asset-based approaches to transforming school systems. Following the talk, there's a facilitated interview and a robust Q&A session with the audience. Tune in to explore how Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) is a pivotal element in advancing equity in education. Stay Connected To CRSLI: Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD

In this enlightening episode from our EQUITYx Series, host Kandace Logan engages with Dr. Racquel Armstrong, who shares her groundbreaking research on supporting Black women in educational leadership. Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Sign Up: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and resources: https://crsli.org/newsletter Free Downloadable Tools: https://www.crsli.org/toolpage

Welcome to another episode of Equity Unlocked, where we dive deep into pivotal issues in educational equity and social justice. In today's EQUITYx Series, we're honored to feature Dr. Nimo Abdi. Her presentation, "Lessons Learned from Somali Mothers: Implications for School Leaders," provides a deep dive into the invaluable cultural insights and strategies that Somali immigrant families offer. Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Sign Up: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and resources: https://crsli.org/newsletter Free Downloadable Tools: https://www.crsli.org/toolpage

In todays episode we have a standout session from the EQUITYx Series featuring Dr. Bodunrin O. Banwo, Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Dr. Banwo's insightful presentation, "Why Do We Educate? Responsive Organizations and their Benefits to our Students," explores the dual role of educational systems in perpetuating or challenging social inequities. He delves into the political nature of mainstream schools and alternative educational models, offering fresh perspectives on fostering a more equitable learning environment.  Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Sign Up: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and resources: https://crsli.org/newsletter Resources:  https://crsli.org/  

In this episode of our EQUITYx Series, we tackle a crucial issue in educational equity: the impact of whiteness on achieving your school's equity goals. Whiteness, encompassing structural arrangements and ideologies of race dominance, significantly obstructs progress toward educational equity and often goes unnoticed in school systems. Dr. Katie Pekel, Executive Director of Educational Leadership at the University of Minnesota, discusses research and practical insights into how whiteness contributes to inequitable outcomes in schools. Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Sign Up: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and resources: https://crsli.org/newsletter Resources:  https://crsli.org/

Dive into a profound episode of one of our previous EQUITYx events as we revisit Dr. Michael Walker's impactful session on leading the Office of Black Male Student Achievement within Minneapolis Public Schools. In this compelling dialogue, Dr. Walker shares his journey and strategies that transformed educational outcomes for Black male students in Minneapolis. When faced with stark disparities in academic achievement and behavior indicators, Dr. Walker embarked on a 100-day listening tour to understand community voices and implement effective, culturally responsive solutions. Discover how he centered relationships and reshaped school culture to empower Black male students and foster academic success.   Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Sign Up: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and resources: https://crsli.org/newsletter Resources:  https://crsli.org/ https://www.mpschools.org/academics/obsa    

This episode of Equity Unlocked features a conversation between Dr. Khalifa and Dr. Jamila Dugan, co-author of the book Street Data and the featured scholar in our new Academy: Disrupting Equity Traps and Tropes. They discuss the need to challenge traditional hierarchical structures and practices inherited from colonial projects in education, recognize ancestral knowledge, and center the assets of minoritized students and their communities. Stay Connected To CRSLI:  After The Academy: https://crsli.org/aftertheacademy Follow Us On IG: https://www.instagram.com/crsl_institute/?hl=en Resources:  Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Street Data: https://www.jamiladugan.com/street-data  

  In today's episode of Equity Unlocked, we delved into the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to teacher training, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and the unlearning of biases. Kandace Logan from TEECH passionately discusses the transformative impact of integrating community knowledge into the curriculum and the vital role of culturally responsive educators in fostering educational equity.  Resources:  Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD We Want to do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Education Freedom by Dr. Bettina Love Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom by bell hooks Just Schools: Building Equitable Collaborations with Families and Communities by Ann M. Ishimaru  

On this episode of Equity Unlocked Dr. Muhammad Khalifa and Dr. Gholdy Muhammad discuss the importance of school leaders recognizing the genius that already exists within students and the joy that they innately deserve. Resources:  Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning : https://amzn.to/451jHO6 Learn more about Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://www.crsli.org Genius & Joy Academy in August: https://members.crsli.org/geniusandjoy  

In this episode of Equity Unlocked, Dr. Muhammad Khalifa and Dr. Keith Mayes guide us through a profound exploration of cultural responsiveness in special education while avoiding colonial practices. Through insightful discussions, they emphasize the importance of examining historical legacies to inform present-day practices. Resources:  Culturally Responsive School Leadership : https://a.co/d/ezc8OUD The Unteachables: Disability Rights and the Invention of Black Special Education : https://a.co/d/fJeezs1 Learn more about Culturally Responsive School Leadership: https://www.crsli.org