The Cultural Proficiency Manifesto

A call-to-arms for educators in tumultuous times



In times of social disruption and uncertainty, we must return to our core values and remember why we entered education in the first place: to make a difference in the lives of all children. Cultural Proficiency can provide us with essential tools for acting on the promise of American public schooling.



The Cultural Proficiency Manifesto places today’s political divisiveness in the context of greater historical change and provides a roadmap to interrupting the cycle of hostility towards marginalized groups. Readers will find:

• Esteemed author Randall Lindsey’s latest thinking on Cultural Proficiency

• A deliberately brief format that unpacks the Cultural Proficiency Framework and offers practical guidance 

• Tools and guiding principles to help educators move their school community toward inclusivity 

• Prompts for individual reflection and team dialogue



Now more than ever, our students need educators to uphold our commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion for all. 

  "Lindsey′s manifesto is a call to action for educators to ensure we are creating culturally responsive environments to support all learners. It teaches us how to authentically engage in the work of educating our wonderfully diverse population."

—Julie A. Vitale, Superintendent

Romoland School District, CA



"This manifesto is indeed timely and essential. Dr. Lindsey′s vast experience as an expert and leader in cultural proficiency reminds us that now is the time to acknowledge and address the vast number of diversity, equity, and social justice issues at hand."

—Kenneth R. Magdaleno, Executive Director

Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research