EMU Today

YPSILANTI– Eastern Michigan University will host the John W. Porter Distinguished Chair in Urban Education Inaugural Symposium on March 6 at 9 a.m. in room 312 at the Student Center, 900 Oakwood St., in Ypsilanti. 

Principal investigator for the project, Phillip Caldwell, II assistant professor for leadership and counseling at EMU’s college of education and 2020-2021 John W. Porter Distinguished Chair in Urban Education, will present "Intersectionality of Educating Black Students in Michigan: Public School Finance, Racial Segregation, and Housing Policy,” followed by a panel discussion, a talk by the 2022-2023 John W. Porter Distinguished Chairs in Urban Education, and networking. 

Caldwell’s presentation will highlight Michigan’s current school finance reform law, Proposal A and its steps toward equalization, the law’s funding formula, and racial disparities in per-pupil revenues, which likely contribute to serious disparities in wealth, income, educational attainment, and health. 

“The law’s apparent funding formula is too reliant on property wealth, reinforcing disparities resulting from decades of discrimination and segregation,” said Caldwell.

According to their research, the average Black student receiving free or reduced-price lunch (FRL) receives $502 less per pupil per year than the average White student receiving FRL and $884 less than the average White student who does not receive FRL.

Caldwell hopes his research will inform educational leader preparation programs offered by higher education institutions and in-service programs offered by districts, regional agencies, or state departments of education in three to four years.

“As a son and citizen of Detroit, my mission is to partner with key stakeholders to develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices that accelerate equitable access to educational opportunities and prosperity for all students,” said Caldwell. 

After the presentation, Kim Happler-Hewitt, professor of educational leadership and department head for the department of leadership and counseling at EMU, will moderate an expert panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities for K-12 public education. 

The symposium concludes with a discussion on "Awareness through art: The W.I.T.C.H. professional development training" from the 2022-2023 Porter Co-Chairs, Carmen McCallum, associate professor of leadership and counseling at EMU and Morgan Breon, owner and founder of Heal.Be.Live., L.L.C.

This event is open to the public. If you are interested in learning more or attending this event, fill out this form to register for the symposium. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

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