As federal leaders retreat from their responsibility to protect educational equity, California must lead. This Equity Alert outlines five urgent threats to students’ rights and opportunities—and the bold state and local actions needed to meet the moment.
Codify federal protections into state law and require school-level accountability and data reporting.
Expand state revenue, backfill federal programs, and reject private school voucher schemes.
Strengthen California’s civil rights enforcement, expand Dream Act access, and fund inclusive services.
Expand Cal Grants, create emergency aid funds, and invest in financial aid outreach and student supports.
Invest in DEI initiatives, protect Minority-Serving Institutions, and resist compliance with illegal federal rollbacks.
This equity alert reflects collaboration between EdTrust-West and its partners, with endorsements from:
At EdTrust-West, we believe every student in LA County deserves access to high-quality, equitable education that prepares them for college, career, and a future of their choosing. In this pivotal moment, we call on education leaders to take bold action—and we stand ready to partner with communities to make this vision a reality.
EdTrust-West | September 3, 2025
Dual enrollment is gaining momentum in California as a key strategy for advancing education equity. To help ensure access for Black, Latinx, and Native American students, EdTrust-West and Career Ladders Project created three Practitioner Guides focused on coordination, recruitment, and counseling.
EdTrust-West | September 28, 2025