Professor creates racial equality education project

Bettina Love, the Athletic Association Professor in Education in the College's department of educational theory and practice and founder of the Abolitionist Teaching Network, calls for more radical reforms to the country's educational system, which she compares to the abolitionist movement.

In an interview with the Red & Black, Love said the Abolitionist Teaching Network's mission is to develop and support educators to fight injustice within institutions and communities. The network, launched July 6, brings together abolitionists, community organizers, educators, parents, social workers, counselors, lawyers and health care providers to take direct action for educational freedom.

"When people hear the word abolition, they hear something that is so radical, and in a way, it is, but what they don't understand is that we are advocating to be treated as humans," she told the Red & Black. "We are advocating for a school system that works for all children, not just Black or Brown children. But what we are going to do first and foremost is start with those kids who have been marginalized and neglected for centuries."

To help educators become abolitionists, Love hopes to teach and support educators through webinars, conferences and direct action. The Abolitionist Teaching Network board is currently taking a year to recruit and fundraise. So far, Love and her team have raised more than $60,000 in two weeks.