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On October 27, 2025, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission held a virtual forum to discuss and address the ongoing racial disparities in education across the state. The forum brought together community leaders, educators, parents, and students to have an open and honest conversation about the challenges faced by students of color in Michigan schools.The forum began with a presentation from Dr. Sarah Johnson, a prominent education scholar, who presented data showing that students of color in Michigan are significantly more likely to experience disciplinary action, achieve lower academic outcomes, and face barriers to accessing advanced coursework compared to their white peers. Dr. Johnson emphasized the urgent need for systemic change to create a more equitable education system in the state.Following Dr. Johnson's presentation, a panel of experts including educators, civil rights activists, and policymakers discussed potential solutions to address these disparities. Suggestions included implementing restorative justice practices in schools, hiring more teachers of color, providing culturally relevant curriculum, and increasing funding for schools in marginalized communities.During the forum, several students shared their personal experiences of discrimination and inequity in the education system. One student, a high school senior named Malik, spoke about being unfairly targeted for disciplinary action because of his race. "I want to succeed in school and go to college, but it's hard when I feel like the system is stacked against me," Malik said.Commissioner Karen Thompson, who facilitated the forum, emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of students like Malik and taking meaningful action to address the root causes of racial disparities in education. "It is our duty to ensure that every child in Michigan has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their race or background," Commissioner Thompson stated.The forum concluded with a call to action for all community members to work together to advocate for policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion in Michigan schools. The Michigan Civil Rights Commission pledged to continue monitoring the progress of efforts to address racial disparities in education and to hold future forums to keep the conversation going.Overall, the virtual forum served as a powerful platform for discussing the urgent need for change in Michigan's education system and rallying support for a more just and equitable future for all students.