The Office of Equity at Pittsburgh Public Schools leads the District’s efforts to eliminate disparities and ensure equitable outcomes for all students. Established in response to the long-standing achievement and opportunity gaps identified through legal action and community advocacy, the Office is both a vehicle for compliance and a visionary force for transformation within the district.
The Office's origins are rooted in the 1992 complaint filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), which led to a Conciliation Agreement in 2006. This agreement and subsequent Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), mandated District-wide the establishment of district-wide responsibilities to implement equity plans, conduct regular evaluations, and collaborate with the PHRC and the Equity Advisory Panel (EAP) to monitor and report progress.
The Office develops and monitors equity initiatives, provides professional learning ensuring compliance with civil rights obligations, and supports students, staff, and schools through culturally responsive resources and data-informed practices. It also responds to concerns involving discrimination or bias based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
The Office of Equity acts as a strategic partner and support hub for key stakeholders:
Schools and Leaders: Equity walks, professional development, resource allocation guidance.
Central Office Departments: Co-design of equitable policies and practices.
Students: Support through programs like Student Equity Advocates, identity-affirming initiatives, and leadership development.
Community Organizations: Collaborations on racial equity education, dialogue, and culturally relevant support.
Guided by legal mandates, Board policy, and the lived experiences of students and families, the Office of Equity works to embed equity into every layer of the district’s operations. Its work seeks to make equity a lived reality for every student in every school.
The Office of Equity is committed to advancing equity, access, and belonging across our district. Guided by visionary leadership, supported by skilled program coordination, and strengthened by direct student engagement, our work spans strategy, operations, and on-the-ground advocacy. Together, our Executive Director, Manager, and Student Equity Advocates collaborate to remove barriers, amplify voices, and create sustainable change so that every student and staff member can thrive.
“Equity is teaching and learning that is centered on justice, liberation, truth, and freedom, and is free of bias and favoritism.” Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, 2023
Dr. Barbara A. Sizemore led the original Advocates for African American Students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools that filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Committee. The District and the Advocates reached a Conciliation Agreement in September 2006. The Agreement detailed 94 issues action steps to address how the District could reduce the achievement gap, provide instructional support, and create an environment of equity for its African American students to be remedied within five years or by 2012. In this Agreement, it outlined the creation of an independent volunteer Equity Advisory Panel to monitor the district’s compliance with the Agreement.
During the initial period, “substantial progress” was not achieved; consequently, an extended two-year Memorandum of Understanding continued the Agreement to 2014. After two years, “substantial progress” was not met again; therefore, an additional five-year Memorandum of Understanding extended the Agreement to 2020.
On November 9, 2019, Pittsburgh Public Schools announced the next phase in its ongoing efforts to bridge racial equity gaps in the city’s public schools. On Track to Equity: Integrating Equity Throughout PPS is a comprehensive implementation plan that seeks to reduce racial disparities throughout the District and elevate the achievement levels of African American students.
