Windsor's Equity, Excellence Study Draws Attention from NAACP

The Greater Hartford NAACP plans to hold a press conference before Tuesday's board of education meeting to address the recently-canceled excellence and equity study at Windsor High School.

A letter was sent to Windsor Mayor Don Trinks, notifying him of the press conference and inviting him to "join in solidarity with the parents and students of Windsor Public Schools to ensure that the research study is completed, and that the results and recommendations are accepted and implemented by the Windsor board of education..."

The letter goes on to describe the effort to close the achievement gap (part of the mission of the excellence and equity study) as "the civil rights issue of our time," and goes on to say efforts must be made to ensure "the promise of Brown V. Board of Education Topeka, Kansas" is a reality for Windsor's children.

The Windsor Board of Education is set to meet a 7 p.m. Tuesday at Windsor town hall.

On June 13, Windsor Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeffrey Villar was notified via email that Loyola University-Chicago, which was contracted to carry out the study, has decided against renewing its agreement with the district.

Alluding to federal regulations forbidding "the use of research to harm protected subjects," Loyola University-Chicago professor Dr. Marlon James said the study could not continue.

James cited local education budget cuts resulting from public outcry in opposition to the study and the potential for additional budget cuts as examples of harm done to the local community.

The study itself, James wrote, is not the source of harm done. Local politics are, he added.

During its meeting Tuesday night, Villar is expected to address the study's cancellation and what it means for the district's work to provide a quality education for all of Windsor's students.