New Books Network Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change
Nov 20, 2025
Dr. Decoteau J. Irby, a leading scholar in educational policy studies and coeditor of a pivotal book on equity leadership, delves into transformative approaches for U.S. public schools. He explores the evolution of equity leadership and its connection to movements like Black Lives Matter. Irby discusses the critical distinction between equity and justice, emphasizing systems change amidst challenges and backlash. Listeners gain insight into strategies for sustaining equitable educational environments and envisioning a justice-oriented future.
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From Economics To Education Through Volunteer Work
- Decoteau Irby recounts moving from economics to education after volunteering teaching email skills to students.
- That volunteer work ignited his interest in educational opportunity and led to a PhD in urban education.
Systems Shape Behavior — Leadership Must Restructure
- Systems shape everyday behavior through norms, expectations, and institutional routines.
- Equity leadership must change system rules and norms to create space for different behaviors and outcomes.
Equity Vs. Justice: Different Scales Of Change
- Equity reallocates resources to achieve fairness in outcomes and processes rather than equal distribution.
- Justice goes further by addressing power, oppression, and whose knowledge counts in institutions.
