The U.S. Department of Education has released data revealing substantial disadvantages for black and Latino students on nearly every measure of educational opportunity, according to the Associated Press. The Civil Rights Data Collection for the 2020-2021 school year highlights persistent disparities in schools that predominantly serve students from these ethnic groups. Findings include less access to advanced classes, counselors, and certified teachers.

The data indicates that Black and Latino students are more likely to attend schools with lower percentages of certified teachers. About 66 percent of students in schools where less than half of the teachers meet state certification requirements are black or Latino. In addition, there is a disparity in advanced course offerings, with Black and Latino students less likely to have access to or enroll in these classes, according to the publication.

Other undisclosed inequities include limited access to school counselors and the presence of security personnel instead of counselors in schools attended by students of color. These discrepancies have significant implications for educational opportunities, students' ability to enter college, and earn degrees.

The Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, highlighted these inequalities and emphasized the need to address them to ensure a more equitable education system. Advocates also highlighted the inequality in advanced course offerings, noting that low-income students and students of color are less likely to take advanced math and science courses.

While the data pertains to the school year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a critical view of persistent educational disparities and points to the continued need for efforts to overcome these inequities in U.S. public schools.