Learning for Justice Magazine

Issue 5, Fall 2023

Cover of Issue 5 of Learning for Justice magazine.

Civics literacy is crucial if our nation is to achieve an inclusive, multiracial democracy. For democracy to flourish in the context of differences, it must uphold the human rights of all people. Learning for Justice Director Jalaya Liles Dunn contends that an approach to democracy that “centers equity and inclusion, not merely the majority’s interests,” is essential. “We must constantly assess power dynamics, shift power and redirect it to support the least powerful of the particular moment.”

To build an inclusive democracy, civics education must tell an honest story about race and develop critical thinkers who can connect history and current events to engage in responsible democratic action. This issue explores the role of civics literacy and inclusive education in developing the intellectual tools, knowledge and civic dispositions essential for democracy.

Features

A Call for Anti-Bias Education

To develop the next generation of civic leaders, educate children early and in age-appropriate ways about their identities and key concepts about race.

Exclusion Is Unconstitutional

Acts of censorship in education perpetuated by a small group with concentrated power go against the principles outlined in the United States Constitution.

Building a Just Future

Four transgender high school activists courageously share their stories and explain how educators and allies can help them amid the hostile attacks on their human rights.

Parents and Caregivers for Inclusive Education

Responsible parent and caregiver groups are focusing on children’s right to inclusive and equitable education—in direct opposition to politically motivated “parents’ rights” groups with discriminatory agendas that harm young people.

Educating for Democracy

Effective civics literacy develops critical thinkers who can connect history and current events to engage in democratic action in building an equitable and just society.

The Promise of Inclusive Education

Inclusive education builds critical thinking—the intellectual tools for reflection, continuous inquiry, constructive dialogue and the possibility of changing one’s perspective—and is an essential lever for democracy.

Why Civics Needs Social Justice Education

Social justice-oriented civics education is crucial for developing the civic knowledge, skills and dispositions people need to fulfill the potential of a multiracial and inclusive democracy.

Departments

Perspectives

Civics for Democracy

LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn contends that civics should “represent the agency and change of each generation, demonstrating the needs of the time and how people showed up for the collective good.”
Why I Teach

The Kids Are All Right

Tulsa teacher Akela Leach helps her school district implement new lessons about their city’s painful history.
Youth Activism

ChangeMakers for an Inclusive and Just Future

LGBTQ+ youth activists from the ChangeMakers Leadership Institute advocate for inclusive education and community resilience in the face of oppressive legislation in Florida.
Why I Serve

Fighting for Inclusive Schools

Activist Carol Lerner advocates for children’s rights in Florida to reclaim the public education narrative from groups with discriminatory agendas.
Staff Picks

What We’re Reading

Learning for Justice loves to read! Check out a few of our favorite books for diverse readers and educators.
Staff Picks

What We're Watching

Dim the lights and get ready to learn with these LFJ-approved films!