IDRA Newsletter
June-July 2025 Issue of the IDRA Newsletter – Focus: Community Voices Matter
Articles
A Message from Dr. María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, IDRA President Emerita
Legislature Dances the Texas Three-Step: Defund, Demonize, Privatize Public Education, by Kaci Wright, M.Ed., & Vivek Datla, MPA
Policy Whiplash in Georgia – The 2025 Session Delivered Education Gains, Losses and Looming Threats, by Terrence Wilson, J.D., Mikayla Arciaga, M.A.Ed., DeAndrea Byrd, Isabelle Philip & Makiah Lyons, J.D.
Civic Changemakers – Students and Advocates Join Forces at the Georgia Capitol, by Isabelle Philip
Coalitions Represent Communities Across the U.S. South
Join Us for An Extraordinary Evening to Celebrate IDRA’s 50th Anniversary!
Sep 29, 2023• IDRA Newsletter • September 2023 • Mark your calendar for November 2 in San Antonio. We want you with … read more
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What Texas’ New Book Banning Law Means for School Libraries and Student Books
Sep 28, 2023by Chloe Latham Sikes, Phl.D. • Knowledge is Power • September 26, 2023 • Texas lawmakers passed a new book … read more
Read MoreTexas’ New High-Quality Instructional Materials Law is Tangled in Classroom Censorship
Sep 26, 2023by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. • Knowledge is Power • September 26, 2023 • The Texas State Board of Education … read more
Read MoreThe Real Impact of Banning African American Studies
Sep 26, 2023by Terrence Wilson, J.D. • Knowledge is Power • September 26, 2023 • Education leaders across the U.S. South have … read more
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School Voucher Schemes Continue to Grow in the South
Aug 30, 2023• By Terrence Wilson, J.D. • IDRA Newsletter • August 2023 • Some policymakers have consistently sought new opportunities to … read more
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Federal Departments of Education and Justice Release Discipline Resources for Schools
Aug 30, 2023• By Morgan Craven, J.D. • IDRA Newsletter • August 2023 • In 2014, the U.S. Departments of Education and … read more
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Texas Prioritizes Hardening Measures Over Preventative Practices
Jul 31, 2023• By Alisha “Tuff” Tuff • IDRA Newsletter • June-July 2023 • In the wake of the school shooting in … read more
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Major Changes Ahead for Texas Future College Students
Jul 31, 2023• By Steve Kemgang • IDRA Newsletter • June-July 2023 • The Texas legislative session introduced changes to college readiness … read more
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Lawmakers Refuse to Adopt School Vouchers, For Now
Jul 31, 2023• By Diana Long • IDRA Newsletter • June – July 2023 • One of the primary concerns during the … read more
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Coalition in Georgia Pushes for Culturally Sustaining Education
Jul 31, 2023• By Thomas Marshall III, M.Ed. • IDRA Newsletter • June – July 2023 • Across the U.S. South, policymakers … read more
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Texas Legislature Fails to Address the Needs of Texas Students and Teachers – More Censorship and Little Action on Teacher Shortage or Bilingual Education
Jul 31, 2023• By Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., and Paige Duggins-Clay, J.D. • IDRA Newsletter • June – July 2023 • Texas … read more
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Identity-Based Bullying Undermines Student Safety and Success
May 30, 2023• By Paige Duggins-Clay, J.D. and Makiah Lyons • IDRA Newsletter • May 2023 • To develop safe and healthy … read more
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Classroom Censorship Laws Sweep Across the U.S. South
May 30, 2023• By Terrence Wilson, J.D. • IDRA Newsletter • May 2023 • Across the country, particularly in the U.S. South, … read more
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The Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Education for All Students
May 30, 2023• By Hector Bojorquez and Michelle Martínez Vega • IDRA Newsletter • May 2023 • With the advent of ChatGPT, … read more
Read MoreReactions to Brown Ruling Led to Breakdown in Teacher Diversity
May 17, 2023By Makiah Lyons • Knowledge is Power • May 17, 2023 • Today marks the 69th anniversary of the Brown … read more
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IDRA Milestones Across Five Decades to Fulfill the Promise of Education that Every Student Deserves
May 01, 2023• By Celina Moreno, J.D., María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed. • IDRA Newsletter • April 2023 … read more
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IDRA Paths and Bridges ~ Caminos y Puentes de IDRA
May 01, 2023• A poem by Aurelio Montemayor, IDRA’s longest-serving staff member • IDRA Newsletter • April 2023 • Amidst the challenges … read more
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One Mission, Many Paths – 50 Years of Transforming Education by Putting Children First
May 01, 2023• By Celina Moreno, J.D., María “Cuca” Robledo Montecel, Ph.D., Aurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed. • IDRA Newsletter • April 2023 … read more
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Families Insist on Equitable School Funding – Rodríguez v. San Antonio ISD Ruling 50 Years Ago Has Lasting Effects
Mar 20, 2023• By Christie L. Goodman, APR • IDRA Newsletter • March 2023 • Demetrio Rodríguez, lead parent plaintiff in the … read more
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How to Know if Your District Needs an Equity Audit
Mar 20, 2023• By Hector Bojorquez • IDRA Newsletter • March 2023 • Public education is currently facing significant challenges, with many … read more
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