Introducing the pillars of equity-oriented crisis leadership: a conceptual framework

Over the past 36 months, the world has experienced an abundance of crises happening consecutively and concurrently. The COVID-19 pandemic has maintained its stronghold, while the war in Ukraine rages and mass shootings have affected the United States, Germany, and Nigeria. All these events have led to a collective shift in ‘normalcy’ and moved societies into simultaneously trying to solve a global public health crisis while navigating policy changes and international negotiations. Thus, managing crises has become a natural part of a school leader’s job more than ever before. School leaders, at the helm of recovery and restabilizing their school buildings, must lead through myriad crises while meeting the needs of diverse populations. Despite this crises-laden time, school leaders are left to mediate and solve for the issues they face with little guidance and cope with their own traumatic experiences. The pillars of equity-oriented crisis leadership, a conceptual framework, are distinct actions leaders can take. Eight pillars make up the framework: hope; equity-oriented mindset; inclusive decision making; resource allocation, deprivation, and diffusion; equitable systems and structures; inclusive communication; equity-oriented critical self-reflection; and advocacy for radical change. Implications and applications are discussed.