News Summary
Elise Carter, an educator and social advocate from Fort Thomas, has been awarded the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award. Her efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and social justice in education have made a significant impact on the community. Following the controversial cancellation of a proposed social equity course at Highland High School, Carter co-founded the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE) nonprofit to promote inclusion and understanding among students. Her accolades reflect her commitment to fostering conversations about intersectionality and historical awareness in education.
Fort Thomas, Kentucky — Elise Carter Recognized with Prestigious Award for Education and Social Advocacy
Elise Carter, a dedicated educator and community advocate based in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, has been awarded the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award in recognition of her influential work in advancing diversity, equity, and social justice in education. This accolade highlights her ongoing efforts to foster understanding and inclusion both within the classroom and the wider community.
Background and Early Advocacy Efforts
Carter first drew public attention in spring 2021 when she participated in a community meeting to propose a social equity course at Highland High School in Fort Thomas. The course aimed to educate students about intersectionality, marginalized histories, and societal inequalities. However, her initiative encountered significant opposition from some parents, who accused the program of attempting to introduce critical race theory—a term often associated with controversial debates on race and education. Due to community pressure, the course was ultimately removed from the school’s curriculum.
Continued Commitment Outside the School Setting
Despite the cancellation, Carter and her colleague, Trinity Walsh, chose to continue their work advocating for social justice. They established Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in educational and community settings. This initiative focuses on preparing students for college and careers while emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Program Offerings and Educational Approach
NISE’s core program provides year-long Saturday sessions at a cost of $50 per student, which includes field trips, historical lessons, and guest speakers. The curriculum is designed to deepen students’ understanding of intersectionality, encouraging them to relate personal experiences to broader societal issues.
The program particularly distinguishes itself by exploring lesser-known histories beyond conventional narratives. It includes lessons about significant figures like John Lewis and various marginalized communities, covering topics such as Jewish history, LGBTQ+ experiences, Native American history, and Latino heritage. The goal is to broaden students’ historical awareness and foster empathy across different groups.
Recognition and Awards
Elise Carter’s impactful dedication has earned her several accolades. In 2025, she received the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award. She’s also been honored with the Smith-Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education and the 2024 Innovative Teacher Award for Northern Kentucky. Additionally, Carter was a finalist for the 2024 Upstander Awards, an honor recognizing efforts to promote tolerance and activism against injustice.
Educational Role and Personal Motivation
Carter has been a teacher at Highland High School since 2012, where she holds the distinction of being the school’s first Black educator. She teaches business and leadership courses but maintains a clear boundary between her classroom responsibilities and her advocacy work. Nevertheless, she encourages honest conversations about social issues, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding among students.
Her motivation stems from deeply personal experiences as a mother of a Black son, which underscores the importance of advocacy against marginalization. Carter emphasizes that her work is driven by a desire to create a more equitable society and to prepare young people to navigate complex social realities.
Challenges in the Current Political Climate
The political atmosphere surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives remains challenging, with some legislative efforts aiming to restrict discussions related to race and social justice in schools. Despite these hurdles, Carter continues her efforts through community programs and educational outreach, combining classroom teaching with volunteer activities to promote diversity and understanding among both students and adults.
Elise Carter’s story exemplifies ongoing dedication to fostering social equity through education, illustrating how advocacy beyond traditional school boundaries can impact community awareness and inclusion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Research Supports Teachers’ Unions on School Closures
Sarasota Legal Community Achievements Recognized
Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cannot Be Canceled
- Sharon Herald: Holding Space for Good: Why DEI Cannot Be Canceled
- Soapbox Media: Northern Kentucky Organizations Address Housing Challenges
- National Review: The Battle for Public Education in Red America
- Link NKY: DEPs Officially Rebrands to Liquor Barn
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Google Search: Social Justice Education
- Google Scholar: Equity in Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Intersectionality
- Google News: Diversity Equity Inclusion
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
