Black History Month Reminds Us of Solutions Available to Help Overcome Inequity
As we observe Black History Month this month, we celebrate achievements won by those who succeeded in life despite barriers of inequity placed in their way. This month also reminds us of important progress made to tear down many of those barriers while warning of others that stubbornly stay. Sadly, for many Americans faced with inequity, new obstacles have now appeared with COVID-19, which has laid bare some of the barriers that remain — particularly those linked to the way we work, the way we study, and where.
Reputable studies have shown that working from home can significantly reduce a person’s risk of getting COVID-19. Yet people unable to work from home because their jobs require in-person duties — often in close proximity to others — are more likely to be low-income, non-white, immigrant, or without a post-secondary credential. The virus has also made it more difficult for these same people to get the additional, career-boosting education they need because they’re more likely to lack the financial resources for traditional tuition and other college expenses. Most likely, they will have obligations like work and family that make the time and place commitments of classroom-based education impractical. Even the advantages of online education can be out of reach for those who lack the equipment or high-speed access.
Not everyone can work from home, but anyone who wants to learn from home can find a way to do it. WGU’s unique online model and commitment to our mission, which is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity is a game-changer. Yes, inequities remain in society, obstructing the way people work, learn, and prosper. But as the lessons of Black History Month demonstrate, inequities will keep us from our goals only if we allow our dreams to be deferred and fester like a sore. We must instead allow our dreams to explode and become reality. There are solutions available to overcome life’s barriers, solutions that can help any Ohioan earn a degree or credential that will be the key to a brighter future.
