Kelly Williams-Bolar’s story has been the subject of intense debate over the past few weeks. Williams-Bolar is the Akron area mother who was jailed because she lied to district officials so that her children could go to a better, safer school in a suburban school district. Some are calling this the “Rosa Parks moment for education” and other believe her actions to be criminal and worthy of the harsh punishment.
But before we rush to judgment, let’s consider the facts of her story. Williams-Bolar is a single, African-American mother of two who was concerned with violence in her subsidized housing neighborhood. After her house was burglarized in 2006, she decided to send her children to live with her father, who she believed lived in a wealthier and safer school district. The events that followed eventually resulted in felony charges. Williams-Bolar maintains that she was acting in the best interest of her children. However, the school district accused her of lying about her address, falsifying records, and having her father file false court papers to get around the system. As a result of these claims, Williams-Bolar served 9 days of a 10-day jail sentence and faces community service and probation. This conviction is particularly troubling because she is a teacher’s assistant only twelve credits shy of her teaching degree. A felony charge on her record will jeopardize her career. Governor Kasich has since ordered the Parole Board to investigate the felony sentencing.
Some have called her a criminal and others are calling this an act of civil disobedience akin to Rosa Parks’ historic act of defiance. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, most can agree that this incident reinforces the need for some frank discussions about education and equity.
We don’t need another documentary to tell us what we already know … the American system of public education is struggling. In many cases, poor students and students of color suffer the most. As we think about the significance of this case, let’s take the time to think about what educational equity really means. We should also take the time to think about the relationship between violent environments and academic achievement. People will continue to judge the actions of Williams-Bolar. But in the midst of the judging, take some time to think about her intentions. What would you do if faced with similar circumstances? Nearly six decades after Brown v. Board of Education, our nation is still trying to figure out the best way to educate all of our children. Maybe it’s time for a new movement to demand a safe, equitable and liberating education for our children. Think about it.
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