Features

In 2019 the Washington Education Association (WEA) made a specific commitment to partner with researchers to address the barriers to educational justice that our state’s system of education presents for underrepresented and marginalized students. The organization also understood that to effectively fulfill this role required actions that explicitly further equity and anti-racism.

Through dedication, compassion, and radical love, Dr. Edmundo Aguilar’s devotion to teaching is fueled by his students. His commitment to teaching and learning is intersectional with social justice and specializes in areas such as multicultural education and ethnic studies.

As an artist, scholar, creative writer and educator, Dr. Lakeya Omogun makes it her mission within all these roles to shift ideas about identities, culture and language. As a scholar, she advocates for Black African immigrant youths’ racial, ethnic and linguistic justice.

In mental health, approaches to addressing suicidal behavior are often couched in a prevention paradigm that asks, “How do we make sure our kids don’t harm themselves?” Alternatively, in her work, Dr. Emma Elliott-Groves, an assistant professor in the UW College of Education, would rather ask, "What does it mean to live healthful lives?" This reframing calls for a paradigm shift from separation to connection and prevention to transformation.