The theme of the 1996 Public Education Network conference was "Examining the Intersections: Education and Race." From different points of view, speakers examined the need for an ongoing commitment to ensuring equal opportunity and access to learning in all public schools. The first selection is the report of a panel discussion about the role and impact of race on children, teachers, and staff. The following remarks from the panel are presented: (1) "Introductory Remarks" (Amanda Brown); (2) "Institutionalized Violence" (Helen Gym); (3) "Working It Out Together" (Christine Gutierrez); (4) "Please--Just Don't Call Me a Racist" (Beverly Daniel Tatum); (5) "Despair and Hope" (Craig Jerold); and (6) "Expectations and Reactions: Continuing Commentary and Conversation on Race" (panel)."Race: The Challenge for Public Education" by Joseph R. Feagin, the second selection, explores racism as the "fourth R" that must be addressed in building better schools. The next selection, "1996 Election Reflections" by Michael Cohen, considers the impact of the federal election and concludes that whatever the ultimate impact, the basic work of education reform must be done at the local level. The last address, "Race, Conflict and American Citizenship Defined" by Eric Foner, explores American history, the meaning of citizenship, and the importance of recognizing cultural pluralism in the public schools. (SLD)