Ashford Hughes Sr., Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools, joins Robert Wilson to discuss the crucial role of equity in education and the public sector.
As the Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools, Ashford Hughes Sr. understands the critical role ongoing discussions about DEI play, in particular within the education and public sectors.
Ashford joins Robert Wilson to delve into the state of DEI work in 2024, highlighting the importance of allies, the challenges of implementing equity, and how strategic communication can move the needle on inclusion in both education and beyond.
Ashford believes that people of color shouldn’t bear the sole burden of fighting for equity, emphasizing the need for allies from all backgrounds to actively participate.
"We need our colleagues, who are white males, white females to stand up before the people of color stand up and say this is wrong, this is where we're going and why," he shares, underscoring that everyone has a responsibility in fostering an inclusive society. “That is how we create a just community where everybody thrives.”
In many sectors, especially in education, it is essential for allies to lead the charge and take responsibility for addressing systemic inequalities. “When we talk about equity and education,” Ashford says, “research is there to show how inequalities exist, and they don’t just show up in the lack of resources.”
“They show up in the way that we call on students, the way that students track with each other over a certain period of time, how they're tracking with teachers.”
Ashford is addressing the issue by creating an educational environment where students feel a sense of belonging. “They're going to have rigorous instruction and content that takes into consideration their lived experience and their identity, and they're going to be able to have a place that helps them to explore.”
By operating the school district with that theology in mind, the payoff reaches beyond just inclusion. “We're starting to see more and more gains academically as well.”
Addressing some of the pervasive misconceptions about equity, Ashford explains that DEI initiatives are from a “zero-sum game.”
In fact, Ashford points out that expanding access to marginalized communities benefits everyone in the long run, citing data showing how equity policies often end up benefiting not just the marginalized, but groups traditionally seen as privileged.
"We have empirical evidence, without a doubt, that white women-owned businesses have benefited, far outnumbering African-American-owned businesses, when equity policies are put in place," Hughes explains.
Robert points out the idea that the "pie" grows when more people are included is a crucial counter argument to the notion that equity is a zero-sum game. By expanding opportunities, everyone has a chance to succeed, rather than resources being redistributed in a limited pool.
Ashford stresses the need for better communication in the DEI space, clearly defining the "why" behind equity efforts, what the goals are, and how to achieve them. Clarity around the purpose and benefits of equity initiatives can help bridge misunderstandings and resistance, especially in workplaces or schools where these concepts may feel unfamiliar or threatening.
“Throughout history, whenever there has been movements to increase access and opportunity for a marginalized or under-resourced community, there is always fierce pushback,” he says, acknowledging the current trend of growing backlash to DEI initiatives in corporate and public sectors, which has led some companies and institutions to abandon their equity efforts altogether.
But Ashford believes the ongoing resistance only illustrates how vital it is to remain steadfast and proactive, advising DEI practitioners and allies to focus on demonstrating tangible benefits, whether it’s improved academic outcomes in schools or stronger business results in corporate settings.
“We have to better equip ourselves, not always being reactive, but being proactive to show, ‘here's what we have been able to produce because of this, here's how we've been able to grow that pie because of this. Here's how we have been able to increase what community looks like because of this work around DEI.’”
The conversation with Ashford is a reminder that equity is not just a buzzword, but an ongoing process of creating fair opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, or background. From addressing misconceptions to fostering strategic communication, the path to equity is complex but essential.
As Ashford emphasized, the work requires everyone — practitioners, allies, and communities — to take an active role. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or in our political systems, standing up for equity is how we create a just society where everyone can thrive.
To learn more about the ways you can get involved with the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, visit tennesseediversityconsortium.org/join-tdc. And be sure to follow Speak Up for Equity wherever you listen to podcasts.
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