Adrienne
van der Valk


Adrienne van der Valk began her career in social work, advocating for homeless and runaway youth and survivors of sexual violence. Her graduate studies led her to political science and journalism, and she has been using her editorial skills in a variety of social justice settings ever since. She served as deputy director for Teaching Tolerance for many years before moving on to become the communications director for the Center for Genetics and Society. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Grinnell College and master’s degrees in political science and magazine journalism from the University of Oregon.

Articles by Adrienne

#USvsHate

In the face of bigotry, student voices and art can offer a welcoming antidote.

You and White Supremacy: A Challenge to Educators

It started as a series of Instagram posts; then it became a downloadable workbook. Now, the “Me and White Supremacy” challenge is reaching the mainstream—and creator Layla F. Saad hopes all teachers with white privilege will find the courage to take it.

What’s My Complicity? Talking White Fragility With Robin DiAngelo

For well-intentioned white people doing anti-racist and social justice work, the first meaningful step is to recognize their fragility around racial issues—and build their emotional stamina. 'White Fragility' author Robin DiAngelo breaks it down.

Pittsburgh Shooting Reminds Us Why We Must Talk About Hate

A shooting at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, synagogue has left 11 people dead. Although we’ve witnessed hate-fueled moments many times before, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t talk about them when they occur. If we don’t, it means we’ve normalized them.

The World We Wish For

On this difficult anniversary, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the events of the last 12 months. But a new school year offers the opportunity to not only resist but create.