70% of DC Voters Agree to Ban Legacy Admissions Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@dfer.org

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2023) — Today, Jessica Giles, Executive Director at DFER D.C., issued a statement on the release of a recent poll finding 70% of D.C. voters support banning legacy admissions, up by 18 points from a March 2023 survey conducted prior to the SCOTUS decision to end race-conscious admissions.  

“D.C. voters overwhelmingly agree that legacy admissions have no place in today’s post-affirmative action world,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C. For too long, the college admissions process has been rigged to largely benefit privileged students at the detriment of Black and Latino first-generation students. That must end now.”

About Democrats for Education Reform D.C. 

Democrats for Education Reform D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in D.C.’s public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.

Mayor Bowser Delivers on Higher Educator Pay  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

Washington, D.C. (September 27, 2023) — In response to Mayor Bowser and OSSE’s distribution of more than $64 million to nearly 140 public charter schools in the first installment of the charter teacher pay program, Education Reform Now D.C., released the following statement:

“All students need great educators, and no matter which public school our students attend this year, their educators will receive historic pay raises and retroactive pay, “ said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Education Reform Now D.C. “This year’s unprecedented investment in our educator workforce was possible because of Mayor Bowser and Chairman Mendelson’s commitment to equity and the retention of educators.” 

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About Education Reform Now D.C. 

ERN D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in D.C. Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination.

DFER DC Applauds Dual Enrollment & Early College Congressional Action 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cesar Toledo, Cesar@dfer.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 19, 2023) — Today, Jessica Giles, Executive Director at DFER D.C., issued a statement on reintroducing the Jumpstart on College Act legislation that would substantially expand dual enrollment and early college programs.

“We are excited to endorse this bill and applaud Sen. Merkley and Rep. Espaillat’s commitment and vision to transforming the high school experience. Once passed, the Jumpstart on College Act will provide critical resources for proven strategies to open doors of opportunity for first-generation students of color to enter the middle class,” said Jessica Giles, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform D.C.

“Less than one in ten public high school students have access to dual enrollment and early college programs in D.C., a far cry from where we should be for our Black and Latino students. Passing the Jumpstart on College Act is now more urgent than ever as the District of Columbia and the country face declining college access and completion rates.”

About Democrats for Education Reform D.C. 

Democrats for Education Reform D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in D.C.’s public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies. More information can be found on our website at www.dferdc.org.