Eric L. Veal Jr. is a junior at the University of Michigan. He is currently working towards a dual degree in Political Science and Secondary Education, as well as a minor in Public Policy. He is passionate about educational equity and securing a quality education for all students so that students are culturally and worldly competent. Eric made Illinois history when Governor JB Pritzker named him as the first student to co-chair a legislatively mandated committee. He also was the first African American President of the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council. Eric has additionally been committed to furthering the work of educational equity through speaking at conferences, schools, and a plethora of events.