The Indiana Educational Equity Coalition, comprised of several leading Indiana advocacy, civic and civil rights organizations committed to racial and social justice for all Hoosiers, presents a one-day conference aimed to address diversity issues in Indiana's public education system. Topics include educational equity, immigration, parent-teacher collaboration, LGBTQI+ and more.
WHEN: NOVEMBER 15, 2025
WHERE: INTECH, 6325 DIGITAL WAY, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46278
AGENDA
All Times E.T.
9 - 10 a.m. | Check-in
10 - 10:50 a.m. | Opening Keynote, Dr. Lasana Kazembe
11 - 11:50 a.m. | Breakout Sessions*
Noon - 1 p.m. | Lunch
1 - 1:50 p.m. | Breakout Sessions*
2 - 2:30 p.m. | Closing Talk
The asterisk denotes that you are able to choose your own session. Breakout session titles and descriptions are below.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11 a.m.
What’s Going on in Indianapolis Public Schools and Across Indiana? A Conversation about Current Challenges and Solutions
In Indiana, it is often said that education policies tested in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) soon spread across the state. Over the past decade, IPS and Gary have taken the largest hits from the negative education reform measures. Indianapolis frequently serves as the testing ground for programs that later expand statewide, many of which focus on privatization, vouchers, charter schools and other controversial issues. This session will cover recent legislation impacting IPS such as the referenda dollar-sharing and changes to district oversight. This panel will also explore related challenges facing local communities across Indiana.
Anti-DEI Laws and Trends: Fallout from Indiana Legislation in Higher Education and K-12 Public Schools
Indiana has faced a series of threats against diversity, equity and inclusion policies both in schools and employment, as well as more generally across our Hoosier communities. Combined with federal laws and executive orders, recent Indiana legislation has placed further restrictions on DEI trainings for employees, the use of DEI-based learning frameworks in schools and certain content that can be taught. Our state has also fought off (so far) anti-Critical Race Theory bills, but these issues are not likely to go away anytime soon. Each legislative session brings its own new set of attacks on DEI and related programs. This session will examine some of the recent Indiana laws and how they are impacting our universities and K-12 public schools.
America’s Immigration Crisis: The Impact on Schools and Communities
Immigration has been a long-standing source of controversy in the United States, a country settled and built by immigrants who through pride and the promise of a better life, came to the “land of the free.” While contention around immigration policy are nothing new, recent federal and state laws have increasingly divided communities. These measures have led to government overreach in policing, the targeting of hard-working individuals striving to support their families and blatant attacks that contradict American values. This session will examine the current state of immigration issues, particularly as they relate to Indiana’s public schools. During the last legislative session, bills were introduced that would expand ICE involvement in schools and, in some cases, deny enrollment to students based on suspected documentation status. Explore these alarming concerns and discuss potential paths forward for supporting our immigrant communities.
1 p.m.
Education and the 2026 General Assembly: What May Be in Store for the Upcoming Legislative Session
As with any legislative session, education will be a major focus in the upcoming General Assembly. Although this will not be a budget year, lawmakers are expected to address numerous education-related issues, many of which will be contentious. Hear directly from Indiana lawmakers about the rumors circulating around the upcoming session, education priorities of public-school allies and other potential hot button issues that may develop in 2026.
Community Organizing, Coalition-building, Advocacy and Lobbying: Essential Tools for Creating Effective Partnerships and Issue-driven Strategies
Every public policy issue campaign begins with forming solutions-driven strategies and effective coalition-building. Everyone has heard the concept that power lies in numbers. When it comes to legislative advocacy and lobbying at the federal, state or local level, the more voices that can coalesce around common priorities and principles, the greater likelihood of success. Broad and diverse partnerships are key to reaching the widest target audience possible. This session will explore tools, tactics and best practices for engaging with key stakeholders – whether it be the Indiana General Assembly, the State Board of Education, local school boards or other policymaking bodies. Participants will learn effective ways to make an impact on the issues that matter most to them as a community leader.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Lasana D. Kazembe, PhD is an award-winning poet, educator, and critical Black scholar whose work examines culture, race, history, the arts, and the social context of education. In his research and teaching, Dr. Kazembe explores the ‘lost-found’ sacred epistemologies (i.e., history, expressive forms, imaginaries, folklore, futurities) of Africana peoples and situates them as sites of memory, critical pedagogy, cultural production, and social action. A major aspect of his work examines the history, political thrusts, aesthetic foundations, and audiopolitics of 20th century Global Black Arts Movements. Dr. Kazembe is an Associate Professor in the IU School of Education in Indianapolis, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the IU Indianapolis Africana Studies Program.