"The Complexities of Equity is a book for such a time as this one, with the current culture wars, misunderstandings, and assaults on DEI. Dr. Reed has gifted us this thought-provoking book that delves into the nuances of DEI, highlighting how our understanding of equity is often layered with shades of gray, which is an amazing metaphor.
"Dr. Latish Reed is a true expert in this work. As the equity specialist for Milwaukee Public Schools, Dr. Reed played a crucial role in initiating complex conversations around racial academic disparities, guiding me through my own biases and the leadership of a diverse staff. Our discussions not only deepened my understanding but also inspired me to be more intentional in my advocacy and committed to my inner work.
"Dr. Latish Reed is an authentic voice in the movement to uncover and correct long-standing societal injustices. Drawing on her experiences in navigating current challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, she provides very practical approaches to reflection and action that can guide the implementation of opportunities and structures that promote equity for all in schools and organizations."
"The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations includes a unique blend of personal narrative and expert wisdom situated within historically relevant events to convey a new framework to guide organizations and individuals in their efforts to create a just world. The Equity Empowerment Continuum represents a practical and theoretical framework to move beyond paralysis to action. Dr.
"In today's ever-evolving socio-political landscape, the demand for equity and inclusion in schools and organizations has never been more pressing. The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations emerges as an essential guide for leaders striving to foster environments that embrace diversity and justice. This timely book addresses the nuanced challenges that educators and organizational leaders face as they balance diverse needs and perspectives within their communities.
"In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Latish Reed provides practical approach to implementing meaningful equity initiatives in organizations. Dr. Reed has navigated the complexity of equity throughout her career as a scholar, as an educator and as a leader. Her hard-won anecdotes and real-world examples inform the innovative Equity Empowerment Continuum, a framework that describes increasingly more comprehensive approaches to equity work.
"For good reason, the field has evolved beyond the question of whether equity leadership is necessary to improve organizations. The question now is what is required of the people who step into this precarious calling. In this book, Dr. Latish Reed draws on her years of experience as an academic and practitioner to offer a framework that she has used to lead and coach numerous leaders through the murky terrain of equity leadership in ways that considers not only the problems that need to be addressed but the well-being of the people who are committed to address them."
"The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations is a compelling exploration of the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As DEI programs face increasing resistance in schools, government, and corporations, this book provides practical strategies for advancing equity despite the challenges.
"Dr. Latish Reed pulls no punches in The Complexities of Equity, arming leaders with hard-hitting truths and pragmatic strategies for committed practitioners ready to engage in systemic change—finally giving the green light to those who've been idling at the intersection of intention and action. Channeling the spirit of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, Reed provides a roadmap for action in a world grappling with injustice. She offers clear steps for the crucial moments after protests fade and the real work begins.
"As anti-diversity, anti-equity, and anti-inclusion policy and practice efforts are reinstituted in the United States, we need firsthand accounts of what Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was, is, and could be in a democracy. A bold and much needed discussion from a scholar-practitioner committed to co-constructing a world as it should be – equity and justice for all."
"Dr. Reed presents a bold approach to confronting and acting on the complexities of a society plagued by racial division, injustice, and inequity. Her use of the Equity Empowerment Continuum provides readers with both a theoretical and practical guide to not only discussing and reflecting on our institutional and personal histories and biases, but also gives us a roadmap to pose and implement equity focused solutions. Indeed, the book challenges us to take a closer look at our definitions of equity and the purposes, strengths and weaknesses of existing DEI programs.
"Our schools are spaces of tremendous promise for building a rich foundation for each and every child; yet at the same time we find gross disparities in access, opportunity, and outcomes for marginalized students. Alleviating those disparities is a primary aim of 21st century schools. Often time that essential work is lumped together under the banner of DEI posing challenges, backlash, and resistance. In The Complexities of Equity, Latish Reed challenges us to authentically engage ourselves to a deeper understanding of this work and what it means.