OF NOTE

A Bi-Monthly Update from The Nellie Mae Education Foundation

Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lids-raising-their-hands-in-the-classroom-8363570/

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

State Canceled School Club's Queer Alliance Drag and Donuts, Here's What Students Did Next

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.