Governor Jeff Landry’s decisive action to stop a law that would have lowered graduation standards in Louisiana was commendable. It ensured that the value of education remains high for all students.
His executive order, which reversed a process that allowed high school seniors to appeal failing end-of-course exam scores, aligns with the principle of equal standards for all, irrespective of background.
The law was proposed and pushed by Black educators, legislators, and leaders, who themselves are examples of achievement despite hardships, poverty and dysfunctional families.
The halted law was primarily justified as a measure to help African-American students, based on the argument that they face unique challenges in standardized testing due to various social issues. However, this approach is not only misguided but also undermines the very students it aims to assist.
It implies that African-American students require lowered standards to succeed, a notion that is both patronizing and damaging.
Our community’s history is replete with overcoming obstacles through resilience and determination, not by seeking shortcuts. The analogy of sports is apt here: Just as we wouldn’t lower basketball hoops to make it easier for shorter players to slam dunk, we shouldn’t lower academic standards so black students can graduate. Similarly, we don’t alter football rules to make scoring touchdowns easier for players facing personal challenges. In the real world, we measure up or sit down. In the real world, we achieve through effort and skill, not through adjusted criteria.
James Brown said it succinctly: “I don’t want nobody to give me nothing, just open up the door and I’ll get it myself.”
This proposed law would have effectively created a ‘back door’ for graduation, diminishing the value of a diploma and potentially setting up a two-tier education system. This approach not only devalues the achievements of those who meet the existing standards but also sends a disheartening message to those it purports to help—that they are not capable of meeting these standards without assistance.
In our pursuit of equality and fairness, we must uphold the same high standards for all students. If we sit under the same instruction as white students, whose fault is it that we don’t pass the same test given to all students; many of whom have the same social issues we have.
Lowering standards is not only a disservice to the students but also to our society, which relies on well-educated individuals to progress and thrive.
Governor Landry’s decision reinforces the importance of challenging all students to reach their highest potential. Let’s commit to supporting all students in meeting these standards, rather than creating shortcuts that shortchange their future. This is the path to true equality and success.
