The role of school counselors is significant in delivering equity in comprehensive school counseling services. As counselors, we are advocates for our students to receive a fair and just education. Recent events have made it clear that school counselors need to become even more vigilant in ensuring that our students receive the same opportunities regardless of their background, race, culture, ethnicity, or gender. The recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action will undoubtedly directly affect equity in higher education, putting more responsibility on school counselors to create a more open, just, and inclusive educational environment.
The Supreme Court’s decision sent an erroneous message that affirmative action is no longer necessary for achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education. This means that underrepresented and marginalized students will have less access to higher education opportunities. School counselors, as advocates for their students, now more than ever, have a greater responsibility to ensure equity for their students with fewer opportunities. The ruling brings to light the critical role of school counselors in advocating for their students’ rights to equal education opportunities.
School counselors must ensure that their students receive equal opportunities from the beginning of their education journey. This is not just a responsibility for high school counselors but also for elementary and middle school counselors. The role of elementary and middle school counselors is important in advocating for equity in programs such as gifted and talented, after-school clubs, grading, and all other policies and procedures, from attendance policies to dress codes and personal appearance. By advocating for equity, elementary and middle school counselors can support the foundation for a more just and open educational system, which can pave the way for students’ future successes.
DEI work is uncomfortable. I get it. Often counselors may not know exactly how to be a change agent for equity. For that reason, I decided to join over 35 other counselors at the 2023 Summer School Counseling Conference and target my professional development toward equity. Months ago I decided to deliver this session out of an abundance of care and concern for equity in education. But, the recent Supreme Court ruling has driven home the “why” of why I dedicate my time and effort to this work. Now more than ever it is critical that school counselors be on a continuous journey of advocacy and competency in equity work, as the futures of our minoritized and marginalized students in higher education will be a direct reflection of that work. You can learn how to start your equity journey by joining me at the conference here.
The role of counselors in supporting their student’s journey toward successful education cannot be underestimated. School counselors are often the connections that students have to resources, referrals, and extracurricular activities. By advocating for equity, counselors can make sure that all students receive equal access to these resources, regardless of their background. Counselors should also work with parents, teachers, and administrators to identify and address and dismantle any system that perpetuates disparities in educational spaces.
The role of school counselors in advocating for equity in delivering comprehensive school counseling services is critical in creating a just, open, and inclusive educational environment. It is clear that school counselors need to step up now with the recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action. Be mindful that elementary and middle school counselors play an equally important role in ensuring equity in all aspects of education. We must all work towards a more just and equal education system for our students. To assist elementary counselors and teachers with teaching diversity, I have created this free resource that can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers. You can find more resources to help you deliver lessons on diversity, equity, and inclusion by clicking here.
As counselors, we are in a unique position to support and encourage each student’s unique qualities and support them in their education journey. Let’s continue to advocate for equity in education, and ensure that every student has the chance to succeed.
With Love,
The Fancy Counselor