Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change

Nov 20, 2025

Dr. Decoteau J. Irby, a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and coeditor of a pivotal book on equity leadership, dives deep into the journey of transforming education systems. He discusses how his background in economics shaped his commitment to educational equity. Irby outlines the evolution of equity practices in schools and addresses the resistance faced by practitioners amidst a politically charged atmosphere. He emphasizes the importance of Black women's leadership, depicting their sacrifices for justice while instilling hope for a future grounded in equity.

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ANECDOTE

Volunteer Email Lessons Sparked A Career

Dr. Decoteau J. Irby volunteered teaching email to students when financial aid moved online and loved working with youth.
That volunteer work led him from community development intentions into a career in education and research.

ANECDOTE

Archive Work Shaped Scholarly Path

As an undergraduate Irby worked in the Avery Research Center and read widely in African diaspora archives.
That archival exposure shaped his appreciation for producing knowledge and writing.

INSIGHT

Systems Shape Behavior Strongly

Systems create strong expectations that shape individual behavior and make dissent difficult.
Leadership can change system norms to allow different, self-determined behaviors.

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In Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change, scholars and practitioners who have worked together in various capacities across different school systems examine systemic equity leadership in U.S. public schools over the course of nearly a decade and across a time of profound racial and historical change.

This volume weaves together real-world insights, research-based strategies, and practical tools for transforming P–12 education systems into more equitable and just learning spaces. Contributors explore the early days of district equity leadership sparked by the Obama administration's focus on civil rights in education; Black Lives Matter (beginning with the Million Hoodies Movement for Justice); the proliferation of formal equity director roles, policies, and priorities; and the recent politically driven anti-DEI backlash. In doing so, it reveals the complex and crucial work of sustaining justice-focused educational systems change in the face of subtle resistance and outright attacks. This book is important reading for school leaders, district personnel, policymakers, and everyone who cares about a public education that works for all students.

Our guest is: Dr. Decoteau J. Irby, who is professor of educational policy studies at the University of Illinois Chicago, codirector of the Center for Urban Education Leadership, and coeditor of Dignity-Affirming Education. He co-edited Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change with Dr. Ann M. Ishimaru.

Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who produces the Academic Life podcast. She is a dissertation and grad student coach, and a developmental editor for humanities scholars at all stages of their careers. She writes the Academic Life Newsletter at her Substack.

Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And get bonus content HERE.

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