UNC School of Education

>> Brown, Frank

Frank Brown’s research has put race, economics and the law on the table and out in the open for public discussion and action. He has participated in two of the three national studies of Title I, the core program of No Child Left Behind, and he is presently editing a publication with Professor Richard Hunter, University of Illinois, which focuses on this federal law and closing the achievement gap.

Consulting with and studying educational systems in a variety of settings across the country, Brown has delved into the legality of how education systems are funded, the politics involved in this process and the resulting inequality of education between the “haves and the have-nots.” He has gathered research data for several lawsuits attempting to bring about change in the funding policies of states and school districts. In successful lawsuits, the change in funding has benefited those greatest in need. 

Brown has been a presenter at international conferences on education law in South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.  His research and writings are referred to internationally, primarily in educational equity situations. By raising the important questions of race and economics, he hopes to motivate others to continue this line of research in the pursuit of equity in education for all students.