Darrell Paschal

Research & Writing

Critical scholarship at the intersection of education policy, veterans' benefits equity, and social justice. Bridging academic research, public scholarship, and community‑based practice.

Overview

Darrell Paschal's research and writing focus on equity in education, veterans' benefits, and the systems that shape access to opportunity. As a doctoral researcher in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, he examines how policies and practices reproduce or disrupt racial inequities—particularly for Black communities and veterans. His work bridges academic research, public scholarship, and community‑based practice.

Research Focus Areas

Education Policy, DEI, and Equity in Schools

Studying how education policy, institutional practices, and organizational cultures shape educational access, outcomes, and experiences for Black students and communities. Interrogating systems of discretion, discipline, and resource allocation, and exploring strategies for building more just and equitable learning environments.

VA Benefits Equity & Veterans' Access to Opportunity

Examining how veterans—especially Black veterans and those from historically marginalized backgrounds—navigate the VA benefits system. Investigating gaps in access, information, and outcomes, as well as policy and program designs that can better support veterans' economic, educational, and health trajectories.

Critical Approaches to Power, Policy, and Community

Guided by critical, anti‑racist frameworks, investigating how policies and institutions distribute power, risk, and protection across communities. Centering lived experience, storytelling, and community accountability to bridge scholarly inquiry and community‑driven solutions.

Current Projects

Navigating VA Benefits as a Pathway to Equity

Exploring how veterans learn about, access, and experience VA benefits, with particular attention to racial disparities in access, information, and outcomes. Through interviews, policy analysis, and case studies, examining barriers within the benefits system and identifying practices that expand access and promote equity for marginalized veterans.

Racialized Discretion and Educational Opportunity

Investigating how discretionary decisions by educators, administrators, and systems—such as discipline, placement, and resource allocation—shape educational trajectories for Black students. Drawing on critical policy analysis and qualitative methods, highlighting how everyday decisions reproduce or contest inequities in schooling.

Community‑Engaged Approaches to Policy and Program Design

Collaborating with communities, practitioners, and organizations to co‑develop strategies that align policy and program design with lived experiences and local knowledge. Focusing on creating structures for accountability, transparency, and community leadership in institutional decision‑making.

Selected Writing & Publications

Academic & Policy Writing

Peer‑reviewed articles, policy briefs, and institutional reports. Venues and titles will be listed as publications are released.

Public Scholarship & Commentary

Essays, commentary, and blog posts connecting research to public discourse on veterans' rights, racial justice, and education policy.

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