Waterloo Public Schools’ Decision Undermines Black Literacy and Inclusion
The Waterloo School District’s decision to drop out of the African American Read-In is “deeply disappointing,” writes a Black Waterloo pastor.
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By Abraham L. Funchess, Jr., pastor, Jubilee UMC Freedom Center, Waterloo
The decision by Waterloo Public Schools to withdraw from the 2025 African American Read-In is deeply disappointing. This annual event, a celebration of Black literature and storytelling, has long served as an essential space for students of all backgrounds to engage with diverse narratives and historical truths. The school district’s justification — that participation could jeopardize federal funding — sends a harmful and troubling message to students, educators and the broader community.
By backing away from this initiative, the district has implied that discussing Black stories in public spaces requires permission. This decision suggests to hundreds of children — Black, white and otherwise — that Blackness is somehow controversial or unworthy of open acknowledgment. At a time when inclusivity in education should be a top priority, this move instead promotes silence and erasure.
The African American Read-In is not about exclusion; it is about representation. For decades, Black authors and scholars have been marginalized within mainstream curricula. Events like these provide much-needed opportunities for students to see themselves reflected in literature, to learn about perspectives beyond their own and to engage in meaningful discussions about race, identity and history.
Pulling out of this event under the guise of protecting funding demonstrates a failure of leadership and a misalignment of values.
It is particularly disheartening that fear — fear of political backlash, fear of financial repercussions — has been allowed to dictate what should be an unwavering commitment to educational equity. If the mere presence of Black literature in schools is enough to threaten funding, then the real issue lies in the system, not in the celebration of Black voices.
Waterloo Public Schools must reconsider its stance. Our children deserve better than institutionalized timidity. They deserve truth, representation and the freedom to celebrate all stories.
➡️Read more about the issues from Pat Kinney, a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
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I’m an old privileged white woman, and I agree with you.