Democratizing Education:

The powers of diversity and collaboration

How can we broaden the narrow passageways to higher education opportunity and success for all of our children? Join us to hear Professor Lani Guinier answer that question and talk about her new book, The Tyranny of the Meritocracy: Democratizing Higher Education in America on October 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the historic 12th Baptist Church, 150 Warren St., Boston, MA 02119. (Registration and book sales will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will start at 7 p.m.) After the talk and some time for discussion, questions and answers, there will be an opportunity to buy Professor Guinier’s book and get it signed. Click here to register online today!

Professor Guinier is an author, scholar and champion of equal educational opportunity and civil rights. She is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and the first woman of color appointed to a tenured professorship at that institution.

“This little book is an answer to the big question ‘Why is our so-called meritocracy so blatantly unfair?'” said Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow. “With characteristic brilliance and insight, Lani Guinier not only answers the big question but points the way toward a more just and  inclusive conception of education in a democratic society.”

Professor Guinier described the problem with “testocratic,” or test score-based merit in an interview with Inside Higher Ed: “Testocratic merit makes the assumption that test scores are the best evidence of applicants’ worth, without paying much attention to the environments in which one finds those individuals. It thereby ignores several built-in biases that privilege those who are already quite advantaged. And it ignores those who could make a valuable contribution to the institution but who have not been the beneficiaries of the privileges of those who may test higher — including growing up in thriving neighborhoods and homes, attending well-equipped and funded schools, having tutoring and other extra help. “

Inviting all parents, teachers, students and community members who care about equal educational opportunity! Join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring evening with Professor Guinier. 

Thanks to our co-sponsors, the Twelfth Baptist Church and the Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts.

Click here to register online today. Thanks for Your Support!

For directions to the 12th Baptist Church, click here.