A Bi-Monthly Update from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation OF NOTE A Bi-Monthly Update from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation Photo by RODNAE Productions: [link removed] Teaching Truth in a Combative Climate Many school communities have been making efforts to increase educational equity by teaching the histories of communities of color, including diverse stories in their curriculums, and affirming and supporting LGBTQ+ students. However, movements that target this work have been picking up steam, with some states passing policies that work against teaching truth in schools. This month's newsletter focuses on the benefits of inclusive, anti-racist education, and the ways students, families, and educators are working against anti-equity miseducation. STUDENTS NEED SUPPORT TO STAND AGAINST BOOK BANS Students across the country are standing up against book bans in their classrooms. Educator Ben Hodge shares his experience about the powerful change that can happen when students are supported by their teachers and community to stand up for their educations. Read More THE NEED FOR CRITICAL RACE THEORY Nellie Mae grantee ARISE collaborated with Students for Educational Equity (SEE) at Brown University to create this guide addressing Critical Race Theory (CRT): what it is, why we need it, and unpacking criticisms against it. Read More REPRESENTATION IN SCHOOLS IS ALREADY LIMITED Even as we face new challenges like book bans and restrictions on teaching truth, it's important to recognize that the representation we have is already limited. Educators and families must work together to increase representation of diverse stories in our schools, as well as fighting back against attacks on the first steps towards equity we may have only recently achieved. Read More COMBATTING MISEDUCATION BY TEACHING TRUTH Attacks on teaching truth threaten the futures of children of color. We must work to create alternative structures of learning by embracing culturally informed curriculums in teacher preparation programs, recruiting more Black and Brown young people into teaching, and engaging communities of color to co-create a new vision of public education. Read More "WE SAY GAY" CAMPAIGN CELEBRATES LGBTQ+ YOUTH Nellie Mae Rapid Response grantee RiverzEdge Arts launched a campaign featuring three billboards reading "We Say Gay" in Rhode Island and a coloring book that raises awareness around LGBTQ+ issues. This campaign is meant as both a response to homophobic and transphobic legislation around the country and as a joyful celebration of queer youth. Read More APPLY NOW TO "LIFTING LITERACY" We are requesting proposals to support projects that focus on boosting the literacy skills of elementary school-aged youth of color and English language learners in communities with at least one Title 1 school. Applications are open until June 1, 2023 at 5:00 EST or until the limited pool of resources is exhausted. Apply Now In This Issue Students Support LGBTQ+ Youth in the Face of Bigotry When the state cancelled this school's Queer and Ally Alliance's Drag and Donuts event, youth leaders organized to rebrand the event as a place for students and other members to share their support of LGBTQ+ youth in the face of homophobic and transphobic policies. Doing More to Fight an Anti-Black Education Movement  Although New Jersey's recent decision to expand AP African American Studies is a symbolic win for equity, much more action is needed.  Read More-> Improving Family-School Collaboration Collaboration between parents and educators create better outcomes for students, but much of the current "parents' rights" movement is based on vitriol. How can we learn from past parents movements to create better, more inclusive schools for all students? Read More-> "How to Be a Young Anti-Racist" Event Recording Check out the recording of this Boston Globe conversation featuring author Nic Stone, with special remarks from Nellie Mae Program Officer Michael G. Williams Jr. About Us Grants Resources Contact Us 1250 Hancock Street Suite 701N Quincy MA 02169 (781) 348-4200 ‌ ‌ ‌ Nellie Mae Education Foundation | 1250 Hancock St., Suite 701N, Quincy, MA 02169 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!