MAC’s Racial Equity and Access Program (REAP) works collaboratively to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and transform K-12 education into a racially equitable system in Boston.
Focus Areas
Addressing the Exclusion of Black, Hispanic, and Latinx Students with Disabilities
In 2019, 86% of BPS students were Students of Color, with the majority of students identifying as Black or Hispanic. Also, in 2019 BPS reported serving over 11,000 students with disabilities, and more than 1 in 3 were in a substantially separate classroom or special school.
There are many ways in which Black, Hispanic, and Latinx students with disabilities are gradually pushed out. REAP works to stop the cycle of exclusion by starting with addressing the use of segregated placements.
Racial Trauma & Racial Healing
“Race-related trauma is defined as exposure to traumatic events due to an individual’s race (Bryant-Davis & Ocampo, 2005). Specifically, race-related trauma is a byproduct of racism when racism disrupts the psychological, emotional and physical well-being of children and adolescents. Racism proceeds to disrupt a young person’s sense of belonging, their relationship with others, and their access to resources.”
To move toward healing, it is important to acknowledge the existence of trauma and its impact. REAP values the inclusion of racial healing as a part of systemic transformation of schools and the District (BPS).
Updates
BPS Students: Get Reimbursed for Transportation Special Education Expenses
All Boston Public School families, with or without a Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN), can get reimbursed for transportation special ed expenses!
Do you have a student with an IEP or 504 plan in the Boston Public Schools? Learn about your rights in this two-pager.
Resources
A list of culturally affirming resources focusing on the intersectionality of Haitian Heritage and disability. Available in English and Haitian Creole.
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