Would Joe Biden’s student debt relief plan ‘improve racial equity’ in California?

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Hey Bee readers! It’s Lasherica with the Education Lab.

By now, most of our newsletter readers have probably heard about President Joe Biden’s one-time Student Loan Debt Relief plan to erase up to $10,000 in student loans – or up to $20,000 if you received federal Pell Grants (awarded to low-income students).

The court system is blocking the program with the Supreme Court planning to decide the matter this spring.

But do you know what it means for you or other California residents? And do you know how others feel about it?

The Public Policy Institute of California answered those questions in a Feb. 9 blog post.

Of the 40 million Americans who’d benefit from the program, about 3.5 million Californians could obtain debt relief because they fall within the program’s income thresholds of making less than $125,000 annually. Two-thirds of California residents qualify for the $20,000 as former Pell Grant recipients.

In November, PPIC conducted a statewide survey asking about eliminating college debt. Although support varies across racial or ethnic groups and by educational attainment and income level, six in 10 Californians favor a government policy to eliminate college debt.

According to PPIC and its survey results:

• Support declines as people’s income increases. For example, 68% of Californians making less than $75,000 support it whereas 51% of those who wouldn’t qualify support it.

• Support is higher among people who have never attended college (69%) and college graduates (59%) in comparison to people who attended but didn’t graduate (51%).

• Latino (76%) and Black (73%) survey takers support the initiative by more than 20% margins in comparison to Asian (53%) and white (50%) respondents.

“While support for eliminating college debt varies among racial and ethnic groups, the typical amount borrowed by each group also varies,” PPIC wrote. “Thus, student loan forgiveness could improve racial equity.”

HERE’S THE LATEST FROM THE EDUCATION LAB

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“Please know how grateful we are for Selma Police Department.”

After recent pay raises, here’s how teachers in Fresno, Clovis compare to state average

Most local teachers saw pay raises that failed to keep pace with inflation.

Fresno Unified solves one problem but many students still can’t get to school on time

“How does it affect the kids? It can ruin their day.”

Flooding ruined years of work for some Merced County teachers. You can help them rebuild

“It makes us feel homeless,” said one teacher at Planada Elementary School.

Yes, chef! Here’s how a $3 million investment in school meals will work in Fresno

The school district confirmed to The Bee on Thursday that it’s hiring 10 new chefs.

Who should be the next Clovis Unified schools superintendent? How to join the debate

“There’s no group I don’t want to hear from.”

Dozens of Clovis West High students miss school after back-to-back campus lockdowns

The principal said school would remain open, but many students stayed home anyway.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

More than 350 Fresno Unified students, parents and staff visited the Allensworth State Historic Park for Black History Month, the school district said in a media release.

The Feb. 11 tour was meant to be a celebration and learning experience with hands-on activities and a commemoration of Black history, Ethnic Studies, cultural dance and storytelling.

“I am excited for our students, families and staff to learn about the town of Allensworth’s special place not only in Black history, but in the history of the Valley and our state,” Superintendent Bob Nelson said in anticipation of the event. “This trip is about student-centered and real-world learning and increasing our students’ engagement in their community.”

In honor of Black History Month, the Fresno City College Speakers Forum will feature culinary and culture historian and award-winning author Jessica Harris.

Her presentation – “Same Boat Different Stops: Culinary and Cultural Connections in the African Atlantic World” – will be Feb. 23 in the Old Administration Building from 10 to 11 a.m.

“Using food as a starting point, Harris examines the cultural links that bind the countries of the hemisphere to the African continent,” Fresno City College said. “She is the author, editor, or translator of 18 books, including 12 cookbooks documenting the foodways of the African Diaspora. She is considered by many to be one of the ranking authorities on the subject.”

The Fresno State Africana Studies Program has been celebrating Black resistance this month with a Sankofa Film Festival on campus.

The Feb. 27 session will include the 2015 documentary The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution and a post-film discussion in the Alice Peters Auditorium.

MORE FRESNO-AREA EDUCATION NEWS

Fresno State is hosting its 65th Annual Peach Blossom Festival on March 9 and 10 to expose elementary students in the Central Valley to oral interpretations of poetry and literature.

For six decades, the event has provided opportunities for thousands of students to develop life skills such as public speaking and gain a positive experience at Fresno State.

The registration deadline is Feb. 27.

HERE’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN READING

Voices heard on gender identity issue at KHSD board meeting

“My job, which is a public service, is to protect kids… Sometimes, they need protection from their own parents.” | Bakersfield Californian

How Does Writing Fit Into the ‘Science of Reading’?

Writing in the early grades is often segmented off from reading. | Education Week

Black students are less likely to attain college degrees because of discrimination and external responsibilities, study finds

The study found that Black students in less racially diverse programs are more likely to feel discriminated against, physically and psychologically unsafe, and disrespected, leading them to abandon their higher education goals. | CNN

That’s it for this week’s newsletter, but I hope you’ll be back for our next edition!