Miles To Go: The Road to Education Justice
Confronting the Past, Navigating the Present, and Shaping the Future of Education.
Registration is now open for the 2025 SEF Issues Forum, SEF’s signature convening on education justice in the South.
Join the Movement for Education Justice
The South has always been at the center of our nation’s struggle, and progress, toward educational opportunity. This fall, we invite you to join the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) and hundreds of education leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, scholars and advocates in New Orleans for the 2025 Issues Forum: Miles to Go: The Road to Education Justice.
Together, we’ll reflect on our shared history, examine the systemic inequities still shaping schools today, and chart a bold, shared course for the future of public education.
Why Attend?
Whether you’re advancing education opportunity in a classroom, district office, statehouse, or research lab, the 2025 Issues Forum offers:
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Powerful Keynotes from leading voices in education justice and civil rights.
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Interactive Sessions that explore policy, practice, and place-based innovation.
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Space for Strategy to collaborate across sectors and regions.
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A Community of Change-makers working to expand opportunity and drive systems-level change.
This is more than a conference, it’s a call to action. And your voice belongs in the room.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring keynotes and panels from change-makers across the field
- Interactive sessions on policy, practice, and place
- Opportunities for connection, strategy, and storytelling
Secure your spot today and join us in shaping the future of public education in the South and beyond.
Early bird rates available through September 1, 2025.
Hotel + Travel Information Coming Soon
SEF will share hotel room block details, recommended accommodations, and travel guidance in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates to help you plan your trip to New Orleans with ease. If you have any immediate questions, feel free to contact us at development@southerneducation.org.
Submit a Proposal or Paper
SEF is still accepting session proposals and research papers aligned to the Forum’s theme. Submissions should explore issues of race, opportunity, and justice in education, particularly within Southern communities.
Submit proposals at forum@southerneducation.org.
Sneak Peak: Session Details
Take a look at the sessions and the agenda for the forum. More session details and speakers will be announced at a later date.
Who Should Attend?
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K–12 and higher education leaders
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Policy advocates and government officials
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Civil rights and social justice organizations
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Education researchers and faculty
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Philanthropic leaders and funders
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Community-based organizations
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Anyone committed to the future of public education
Event Highlights
- Location: The historic and vibrant city of New Orleans
- Networking: Connect with peers, partners, and change-makers across the field
- Access to Ideas: Learn strategies and models driving meaningful change across the South
- Momentum: Join us as we build on the legacy of Brown and carry the work forward
Let’s confront the past, navigate the present, and shape a future where every student has access to a high-quality education. Join us.
Stay Connected
Join our mailing list to receive event updates, speaker announcements, and more.
Contact: development@southerneducation.org