Reflection: Education as the Great Equalizer?
In a thought-provoking lecture titled "Education as the 'Great Equalizer'? Renewing our Commitment to the Balance Wheel," Provost Jennifer King Rice discussed the profound impact of disparities in educational opportunities on individuals and society.
Inspired by Horace Mann's advocacy for publicly funded universal education, the lecture emphasized the pivotal role of education in fostering equality, empowerment, and societal well-being. Mann's vision of education as the "balance wheel of the social machinery" resonated throughout the discussion, highlighting the significance of education in enabling broad participation in political, civic, and economic institutions.
Emphasizing the critical role of education in shaping both individuals and society, the lecture stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address educational disparities, promote inclusivity, and establish a more equitable learning environment for all. Rice reiterated that education is not merely a means to acquire skills but a pathway to empowerment, enlightenment, and societal progress.
The lecture also shed light on the persistent disparities in educational outcomes, often linked to factors such as race, ethnicity, and economic background. The data Rice shared during the lecture vividly illustrated the intricate connection between education and various outcomes, including economic mobility, earnings, employment, incarceration rates, health behaviors, and civic engagement. These disparities not only hinder the potential of education to serve as an equalizer but also perpetuate structural inequality within society. Despite progress and advancements in universal education systems, significant challenges persist in ensuring equitable access to education for all individuals.
Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is a powerful tool for empowerment, emancipation, and social mobility. To deny education to any individual is, as Frederick Douglass eloquently stated, a grave crime against human nature. The lecture served as a poignant reminder of the inherent link between education, equality, and societal progress.
You can view the video of Provost King Rice’s Lecture on our youtube channel here.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
Photo Credit: Hong H. Huynh / Grey Slate, LLC