Across the nation, conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become more complex and, at times, contentious. Here at ACSA, the foundation of our work remains clear: We are striving to put students first. That means ensuring all students — regardless of background, identity or circumstance — have equitable opportunities to succeed.

In 2025, equity work continues to be essential. Our schools serve students from a vast range of lived experiences and it’s our responsibility as educators and leaders to meet those students where they are. Equity in education isn’t a political issue — it’s about creating the conditions for every learner to thrive. Recent state and national test data validate what we already know: Significant opportunity gaps continue to exist. There is no stronger evidence than this on why equity work must continue in our schools.

ACSA has been committed to supporting educational leaders in this work. We’ve embedded equity practices throughout our professional development programs and internal operations, helping educators build inclusive classrooms, address unconscious bias, and create safe, supportive environments. This work isn’t performative — it’s intentional, student-centered and designed to lead to lasting change.

As some organizations in other sectors scale back their equity initiatives, ACSA is moving forward with purpose. We are expanding opportunities for collaboration through our academies, credentialing and coaching programs, conferences, and extended learning. These platforms empower leaders with the tools and strategies to better serve their diverse school communities.

Our Equity Administrators Academy equips school leaders with the knowledge to understand policy, examine data and design systems that close achievement and opportunity gaps. Additionally, we’ve launched and sustained affinity networks for LGBTQ+ educators, Pacific Islander and Arab American leaders, and educators with visible and invisible disabilities — spaces where support, belonging and shared learning thrive.

We’re also developing new resources such as an asynchronous equity training, a three-part Ethnic Studies series in our Online Learning Center, and “The Critically Conscious Classroom,” a new web series that highlights the voices of educators and changemakers working to align classroom practice with social justice.

Beyond our internal efforts, we’re proud of our partnerships with the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), and the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education (CAAPLE). Under the California Administrators Equity Alliance, these partnerships reflect our belief that real, systemic change comes from collaborative leadership and a shared commitment to equity. Together, we are focused on eliminating barriers to success and enhancing outcomes for historically underserved students. Guided by an equity-centered framework, we’re expanding professional learning and advocating for policy that supports the needs of all students — especially those who have been historically marginalized.

My commitment to you is this: ACSA will continue to support you as you support your students. We will stay focused on our North Star — student success — and continue to lead with clarity, compassion and courage. Equity work is not a moment, it is a movement, and we are proud to walk alongside our members in advancing it.

Edgar Zazueta, Ed.D., is ACSA’s executive director.