LEXINGTON, Kentucky (December 14, 2021) — A recently published book, “Public Education: Defending an American Cornerstone,” features a chapter by Dean of the University of Kentucky College of Education, Julian Vasquez Heilig.

Edited by David Berliner and Carl Hermanns, the book’s contributors focus on the essential roles that schools play in society. Vasquez Heilig’s essay, “Scrutinizing the School Choice Equity Ethos for Black Parents,” analyzes whether school privatization leads to gains in student achievement and increased opportunity.

“Amid equity concerns, charter schools have the power to select the best and least expensive students, while denying services and enrollment to diverse learners,” Vasquez Heilig said.

Research published by Vasquez Heilig showed that charter school students are more likely to attend racially isolated schools than their public school counterparts. His research also found disproportionate and excessive discipline for students of color in neighborhood public schools, and it’s also a widespread problem in charter schools, he said.

“It’s important to carefully consider the equity issues that arise in charter schools because they tend to locate in urban areas where black families are concentrated,” Vasquez Heilig said.

The essays featured in “Public Education” serve as an enthusiastic defense of public schools and emphasize the importance of preparing young people to be informed citizens and active participants in the democratic process.

Vasquez Heilig, Professor of Education Policy Studies and Evaluation, has been Dean of the UK College of Education since 2019. He is an award-winning leader, teacher and researcher and a dynamic voice for equity in education in the States United and around the world. . It strives to bring the insights of academic journals into the national conversation, making academic research useful and relevant to policymakers and the communities they serve. He has consistently been ranked among America’s top scholars for his influence in shaping educational practice and policy in the Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings. He is currently the co-educational chair of the Kentucky State Conference of the NAACP and a member of the board of the Schott Foundation.