For more information:
Deanna Townsend-Smith
Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity
dtownsend-smith@ncforum.org
919-781-6833 x114

RALEIGH, NC (February 17, 2025) –  The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, in collaboration with community members from across Western North Carolina, has created a resource highlighting critical equity considerations for supporting the diverse communities in Western North Carolina. The resource proposes recommendations for entities from across the state and nationwide that can support long-term recovery by ensuring that historically marginalized and underserved communities are at the forefront of all efforts. The recommendations are proposed in four categories that align with the recommendations from the governor’s office and the input of WNC organizational leaders.

• Policy, Research, and Advocacy Efforts
• Partnerships
• Capacity Building and Convening of Stakeholders
• Outreach, Communication, and Dissemination Efforts

On the evening of September 26th, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm. The storm’s strong wind gusts and severe flooding caused unprecedented damage to communities across Western North Carolina (WNC). Local institutions and organizations have taken the lead in providing diverse community members with support in meeting urgent needs such as financial assistance, access to health care, and educational opportunities.  

Dr. Tiece Ruffin, Public School Forum Board Member and Department Chair of UNC Asheville School of Education, has seen firsthand the devastation Hurricane Helene brought to Western North Carolina communities and the need for collaborative efforts to move forward. She states, “Grassroots organizers and servant leaders are tirelessly working to make a difference in the diverse communities of Western North Carolina. It is imperative that we, as a community, embrace the spirit of shared humanity, recognizing our interconnectedness and the impact of our actions on one another. Let’s rally to support each other equitably in long-term recovery efforts. Collectivist care and love for our neighbors are actions that go beyond mere rhetoric. We are all connected and affect one another—let’s live out our shared humanity and work together for the benefit of all.”

As communities continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, the long-term impacts of this disaster on Western North Carolinians must continue to be assessed with an equity lens to ensure that diverse community needs are met and there is equitable resource allocation for local and diverse community members.

Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director if the Dudley Flood Center states, “We have an opportunity to incorporate equity throughout the recovery process to ensure that every person’s need is met. This resource is the beginning of a roadmap through partnership from those on the ground in the Western part of our state.”

To learn more about the Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity and to see a list of events and resources please visit www.ncforum.org/floodcenter and join us in the fight for equity, access, and opportunity in education.

For media inquiries, please contact Deanna Townsend-Smith at 919-781-6833 x114 or dtownsend-smith@ncforum.org.

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About the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity

The Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity (Flood Center) serves as a hub to identify and connect organizations, networks, and leaders to address issues of equity, access, and opportunity in education across North Carolina. Leaning on the 70+ years of experience and wisdom of our namesake Dr. Dudley E. Flood, the Flood Center works collaboratively to take action toward addressing issues of systemic racism by advocating for structural changes in policy and practice to build an equitable education system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of NC’s diverse student population. Specifically, the Dudley Flood Center exists to create an equitable education system by addressing the systemic inequities plaguing the educational system which limit opportunity and access for PK – 12 students and educators. Follow the Flood Center on Twitter @DudleyFloodCtr and visit our website at https://floodcenter.org/.

About the Public School Forum of NC

Since 1986, the Public School Forum of North Carolina has been an indispensable and nonpartisan champion of public schools and the most trusted source in the state for research and analysis on vital education issues. We bring together leaders from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, seek consensus, and ultimately inform and shape education policy. We do that through research, policy work, innovative programs, advocacy, and continuing education for educators and policymakers. Follow us on Twitter @theNCForum and visit our website at www.ncforum.org.