Education as a Civil Right: Baton Rouge Alliance Sparks Change with Interactive Forum and Documentary
The event was designed to immerse community members in the experiences of students in the Baton Rouge school system.
By Torey A. Bovie
Louisiana State University
The Baton Rouge Alliance for Students hosted its sixth annual “Education As A Civil Right” event recently with an interactive game, community activities, and a screening of the documentary Teach Us All.
The event was designed to immerse community members in the experiences of students in the Baton Rouge school system. Key topics discussed during the public forum included diversity and equity in education.
“The promise of America belongs to every child, regardless of their family income, the zip code they’re born into, or their color,” said Adonica Pelichet Duggan, CEO of the Baton Rouge Alliance for Students.
A total of 185 adults attended the event, held Feb. 26 in the Independence Park Theater building.
To start, the organization gathered attendees to play “The Game of Life: A Journey of an EBR Student.” The interactive activity allowed players to experience the barriers and opportunities Baton Rouge students face as they progress from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Communications Specialist Wateasa Freeman said the game awarded players tokens for positive changes and took away negative ones. For example, if a hypothetical school lost some of its funding, a player would have to give up some tokens.
“Sometimes, people don’t understand the scale of work that needs to be done in the school system,” Freeman said.
According to a 2024 report from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the largest number of students in the East Baton Rouge school system attend D- and F-rated high schools. Among this group, about 90% are considered economically disadvantaged.
Following the interactive game, guests gathered inside the theater to view Teach Us All. Directed by Sonia Lowman, the 2017 documentary discusses segregation in the school system and its lasting effects today.
After the film, the audience engaged in a discussion about what they would like to see in Baton Rouge schools. The conversation was moderated by former Louisiana Recovery School District Superintendent Patrick Dobard.
The ideas mentioned during the discussion were captured on a poster board as the audience participated. Dobard said this idea board will be presented to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board during one of its biweekly meetings in March.
Attendees suggested improvements such as more trauma support training for teachers, food pantries, and inclusive playgrounds for all children.
“Remember to keep a ‘yes and’ spirit,” Dobard said. “Yes, these are all wonderful ideas… and it’s going to take resources, leadership, and coordination.”
This story was reported and written by a student with the support of the non-profit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an LSU-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundations.
According to a 2024 report from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the largest number of students in the East Baton Rouge school system attend D- and F-rated high schools. Among this group, about 90% are considered economically disadvantaged.
Following the interactive game, guests gathered inside the theater to view Teach Us All. Directed by Sonia Lowman, the 2017 documentary discusses segregation in the school system and its lasting effects today.
After the film, the audience engaged in a discussion about what they would like to see in Baton Rouge schools. The conversation was moderated by former Louisiana Recovery School District Superintendent Patrick Dobard.
The ideas mentioned during the discussion were captured on a poster board as the audience participated. Dobard said this idea board will be presented to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board during one of its biweekly meetings in March.
Attendees suggested improvements such as more trauma support training for teachers, food pantries, and inclusive playgrounds for all children.
“Remember to keep a ‘yes and’ spirit,” Dobard said. “Yes, these are all wonderful ideas… and it’s going to take resources, leadership, and coordination.”
This story was reported and written by a student with the support of the non-profit Louisiana Collegiate News Collaborative, an LSU-led coalition of eight universities funded by the Henry Luce and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur foundations.
