Duncan Discusses Focus On Civil Rights In Education

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education (12/22, Pluviose) runs a largely positive profile of Education Secretary Arne Duncan, describing him as difficult to pigeonhole ideologically, noting that "his interest in education runs much deeper than ideological posturing." Duncan, Diverse adds, "believes that a lack of education can have deadly consequences," and has "focused on expanding access to quality education at all levels." The piece cites of Duncan's "extensive" "accomplishments" and "successes," both as CPS CEO and as Secretary of Education, and continues with a partial transcript of an interview with him. Topic include Duncan's definition of education as the "civil rights issue of our generation," male minority teacher recruitment, and the importance of community colleges. Duncan also discussed student loan debt, HBCUs, and his willingness to serve during a potential second Obama term.