Five years after the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) initiated a reparations program for Black students, critics argue it has not met its intended objectives. This effort aimed to address the academic disparities Black students face.

In March 2021, OUSD’s school board launched the ‘Reparations for Black Students’ resolution, leading to the formation of a 24-member Black Thriving Task Force. This group’s mission was to devise a five-year plan to close the opportunity gap for Black students by 2026. However, former task force members noted the group stopped meeting within a year due to internal conflicts and leadership changes.

The district can just wait people out.

Former task force member Kevin Hill expressed disappointment, highlighting inefficiency. Conflicts arose over school closures and the district’s involvement in reparations work, causing a rift in the initial efforts.

The resolution aimed to create a ‘Black Thriving Fund,’ focusing on hiring Black educators, enhancing a Black-centered curriculum, implementing anti-racism training for staff, and increasing support for struggling families. Data from the 2018–19 school year showed that Black students, despite being 22% of the district, accounted for 57% of all suspensions. Additionally, Black students with Special Education Individualized Education Plans faced nine times the suspension risk compared to other students.

Five years later, data indicated minimal progress. District testing in 2025 highlighted low proficiency in math and English among Black students. Chronic absenteeism affected 46% of Black students, and suspensions persisted.

Public engagement has dwindled. The district’s reparations webpage remained unchanged since 2021. Meetings ceased, and Black student enrollment decreased, with many families leaving Oakland.

In 2023, after a teachers’ union grievance process, a smaller task force emerged. This updated effort refocused on family engagement and expanded support at 11 ‘Black Thriving Schools,’ where at least 40% of students are Black. Some educators report progress through newly created roles, while others feel the district has not upheld its commitments.

OUSD spokesperson John Sasaki defended the initiative’s current trajectory, stating that the task force is active and focused on enhancing Black student achievement and well-being.