“Culture must be supported by structure…”

Cheryl-Lyn Bentley-Harmon

Principal of Bentley Harmon PLLC, Former High School Teacher

https://www.harmoncompliancesolutions.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-lyn-bentley-harmon/

Black educators matter—but supporting and retaining them requires more than recruitment.

How has your life changed since 2020? In this special follow-up episode, educator-turned-attorney Cheryl-Lyn Bentley-Harmon returns to the Black Educators Matter Project 500 Podcast to explore the evolving legal landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Drawing from her experiences as a teacher, civil rights investigator, and founder of Bentley Harmon PLLC, Cheryl-Lyn unpacks the challenges schools face as DEI efforts come under increased scrutiny and explains what educational institutions can legally do to recruit, support, and retain diverse educators.

Equity is not a slogan—it’s a system.

Cheryl-Lyn shares why Black educators remain critical to student success and school culture, while highlighting the often-overlooked barriers that drive many out of the profession. From workplace climate and mentorship to leadership accountability and policy design, she offers practical strategies for building equitable environments where educators can thrive. This timely conversation is a call to action for school leaders committed to moving beyond performative statements toward lasting, meaningful change.