Appointment of Gayle Horwitz as Director of Education Policy at AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy

Introduction

On June 25, Gayle Horwitz, a resident of Solon, was appointed as the Director of Education Policy at the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Center for Education Advocacy. This strategic appointment aligns with advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Professional Background and Contributions

Horwitz brings extensive experience from her previous role as a senior attorney in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Her work focused on:

• Combating antisemitism and discrimination in educational settings.
• Supporting legislative efforts at state and federal levels for education spanning from kindergarten through college.
• Shaping civil rights protections for vulnerable student groups, including pregnant students, LGBTQ individuals, and survivors of sexual violence, contributing to inclusive and safe learning environments (SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 10).
• Resolving hundreds of cases involving race, sex, and disability discrimination in education, thereby promoting equality and justice (SDG 10, SDG 16).

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Horwitz’s role is pivotal in advancing several SDGs through education advocacy:

1. SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting inclusive, safe, and welcoming schools by addressing antisemitism and discrimination.
2. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Ensuring protection and equitable treatment for marginalized student populations.
3. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Strengthening legal frameworks and policies that safeguard civil rights in education.

Statements and Organizational Support

Laura Shaw Frank, Vice President of the Center for Education Advocacy, emphasized Horwitz’s qualifications:

“Gayle brings impeccable credentials and experience in education policy to our team. Her deep understanding of the ways in which federal and state law and regulations can protect Jewish students against antisemitism in school spaces will expand and strengthen our advocacy work.”

Additional Roles and Qualifications

• Vice President of the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School Board of Directors.
• Member of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland Board of Trustees.
• Founding President of the Northeast Ohio chapter of the American Constitution Society, promoting civil rights education.
• Educational credentials include a degree from Georgetown University Law Center and completion of the Wexner Heritage Program, a leadership initiative for emerging leaders.

Community Engagement

Horwitz maintains strong community ties as a graduate of Beachwood High School and a congregant of Park Synagogue, reinforcing the connection between community leadership and educational advocacy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on education policy, combating antisemitism in education, and supporting inclusive, safe, and welcoming schools.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination based on race, sex, disability, pregnancy, and LGBTQ status relate to reducing inequalities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Advocacy for civil rights protections and legal enforcement in education supports peaceful and inclusive societies and strong institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are inclusive and safe for all students.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers through training and recruitment.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of schools with policies and practices to promote safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory learning environments (implied through advocacy for safe and welcoming schools).
   • Number of qualified teachers trained to handle diversity and inclusion issues (implied through education policy initiatives).
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Incidence of discrimination cases reported and resolved in educational institutions (implied through the Office for Civil Rights enforcement cases).
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of legal cases resolved related to civil rights violations in education (explicitly mentioned as hundreds of cases resolved).
   • Existence of policies and laws protecting students from discrimination and antisemitism (implied through legislative advocacy).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: clevelandjewishnews.com