Albany Unified School District arranged a trip to Virginia described as being for “young men and women of color,” where students toured Historically Black Colleges and Universities and took part in discussions on topics like social justice. The details came from records obtained by the parental rights group Defending Education and shared with the Daily Caller News Foundation. The school board approved the trip, which cost the district $42,845.
According to district materials, the trip was part of a broader mentoring effort. The program is described as creating a space where students can talk openly about their experiences while building academic and personal skills. It includes conversations about leadership, mental health, education, and self-awareness, with the stated goal of helping participants succeed and make a broader impact.
In addition to visiting colleges, students stopped at several historical sites, including the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial, and the Black Heritage Trail.
A district spokesperson said the trip was not limited by race in practice. Julie Sen, executive assistant to the superintendent, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that any student who showed interest and met academic requirements could participate. She said the district’s goal is to provide an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and prepared for what comes next.
Still, documents show the district runs other initiatives that emphasize support for non-white students and staff. Its 2025–2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan includes programs specifically labeled for “Young Men of Color and Young Women of Color,” which are part of a broader effort focused on social-emotional and mental health support. That initiative carries a budget of more than $1.25 million.
A new @DefendingEd report details how Albany Unified School District maintains affinity groups for “Young Men of Color and Young Women of Color,” along with district-funded programming and student trips.
https://t.co/XAUeItGPPr pic.twitter.com/9hXhkMfkgF
— Nicki Neily (@nickineily) April 20, 2026
Should race-based support initiatives be continued in Albany Unified School District?
The same plan outlines staff training centered on culturally responsive and anti-racist teaching practices. The district describes these approaches as necessary for supporting student groups it considers historically underserved.
Separate documents also highlight hiring goals. A 2026 superintendent’s report mentions plans to expand recruitment efforts aimed at building a more diverse workforce, including partnerships and programs like the Black Teacher Project. The district also tracks staff demographics as one way to measure progress.
Beyond academics and staffing, the district has policies addressing immigration enforcement. Its website includes guidance for handling potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on campus, instructing staff not to share information. The district describes itself as committed to being a safe and supportive place for students from immigrant families.
Critics argue that schools should focus less on race when shaping programs and hiring practices. Paul Runko of Defending Education said resources would be better spent supporting students based on individual needs and performance rather than grouping them by race. He also emphasized that teachers should be evaluated and supported based on effectiveness in the classroom.
Sen, however, said the district does not make hiring decisions based on race. She described its approach as casting a wide net to attract qualified candidates from different backgrounds, with the aim of building a staff that reflects the diversity of its student population while maintaining high standards.
