A new study released by the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights show that interruptions in school-based learning caused by COVID 19 has deepened the impact of disparities in access and opportunity facing many students of color in public schools, including technological and other barriers that make it harder to stay engaged in virtual classrooms.
The 54-page report issued on June 9, 2021 describes 11 key findings in areas related to mental health, transition, higher education and more.
In particular, students who are learning English, those with disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQ+ fared the worst. Nearly all students experienced some challenges to their mental health and well-being during the pandemic and many have lost access to school-based services and supports. Risk of harassment and abuse also increased for girls and women, LGBTQ+ students, and those who are Asian America and Pacific Islander.
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