In the current hostile learning environment created by censorship laws and policies aimed at prohibiting the teaching of honest history and further marginalizing LGBTQ+ students and educators, social justice education is essential. The Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards are designed to guide educators in developing inclusive curricula to make schools safer and more just and equitable. Comprised of four domains—identity, diversity, justice and action—the Social Justice Standards are intended for all content areas alongside state and Common Core standards.
In the latest issue of Learning for Justice magazine, a Black Alabama teenager recounts the damage an education that is neither accurate nor inclusive has caused in her life.
Parent and caregiver advocacy is crucial as children’s right to inclusive learning and honest history education is being limited in some states and communities. While the media often highlights the vocal efforts of a few politically motivated parents’ groups to censor teaching and to exclude some children and families from representation, we know that most parents and caregivers support fair and inclusive education practices that protect the learning and well-being of all children.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) enabled millions of Black and other voters of color an opportunity to participate in our democracy. Ten years ago, on June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened a key provision of the landmark VRA. These LFJ articles remind us of the struggle for voting rights and education and the powerful legacy of Freedom Summer 1964. As we confront current voter suppression and education censorship, let us continue the fight for justice in today's movement.
Too often, educators of color are burdened with leading and supporting anti-racist work in schools and districts—perhaps even more so during COVID-19 and this year’s widespread calls for such work. These resources can help white educators and administrators take action now, carry their fair share of this work and ensure they’re in it for the long haul.