Lifting and Levelling

NAIS New View EDU by NAIS
National Association of Independent Schools, October 28, 2025

Kenji Yoshino, renowned author, legal scholar, and leading voice on diversity and inclusion, joins host Morva McDonald in Episode 80 of the NAIS New View EDU podcast for a thought-provoking conversation on the political, legal, and social forces shaping a new vision for an inclusive America. In his forthcoming book, How Equality Wins: A New Vision for an Inclusive America, Yoshino outlines actionable strategies for independent schools seeking to advance inclusion and justice within their communities. His framework underscores a dual imperative. The first is to “lift” historically marginalized groups, recognizing that the dynamics of marginalization evolve over time. And the second is to “level” the systems that sustain inequity, even among those who hold certain forms of privilege, such as socioeconomic advantage. Yoshino’s strategic approach invites schools to view equity not as a static outcome but as a shared, ongoing practice that broadens participation, deepens understanding, and nurtures a genuine sense of belonging for all members of the community.