FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Victoria Fosdal
March 16, 2021 victoria@dfer.org
DFER LA Appoints New State Director
Terrence Lockett to Lead Advocacy for an equitable education for all
BATON ROUGE, LA (March 16, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA) announced today that Terrence Lockett has been appointed as State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now Louisiana (ERN LA).
“Terrence is a tremendous asset to the Louisiana team,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “His compassion and dedication to the mission are evident in the work he’s led for DFER LA in Baton Rouge, from representing the organization in conversations for the East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board search for a superintendent to fighting for an equitable distribution of resources for students during the pandemic so that those farthest from privilege are able to succeed.”
Terrence has been with DFER LA since 2019, previously serving as Interim Director and Director of the Capitol region. He’s worked closely with state legislators, and education stakeholders to advocate for students in EBR to advance the district’s racial equity work and help pass a new charter policy, and at the state-level, to support DFER LA’s efforts to ensure that Louisiana’s new State Superintendent was someone who would prioritize educational equity for Louisiana’s historically underserved students.
“I am honored to lead the Louisiana chapter of DFER,” said Terrence. “I know that our work matters to every person on our team, to parents and education advocates, and most especially, to the students we serve. The fight for education equity will continue until each and every student has fair access to opportunities and the resources they need to turn those opportunities into success. I know that, together, we can bring possibility into reality.”
Terrence previously worked as the Capital Region Manager and State Education Liaison for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). In this capacity, he acted as a direct contact to a 12-parish coverage area assisting elected officials and community stakeholders in the region. In his role as Education Liaison, he was responsible for working with multiple stakeholders at the national, state, and local levels to advance Senator Landrieu’s education reform priorities in Louisiana. Terrence has also worked as campaign manager and chief strategist on multiple campaigns around Louisiana, and proudly served as a speech therapist to a First Nations school in New Mexico.
DFER LA was launched in 2015 to as a means to address challenges—such as education quality, equity, and a pronounced opportunity gap—advocate for students farthest from privilege, and support candidates who are dedicated to creating better opportunities for all students. Learn more about the organization here.
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About DFER LA
DFER LA recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Louisiana that justly and equitably serves all students.