All Children Deserve Safe, Welcoming Schools

From LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn

“As we confront the current assaults on democratic values and ethical education—through anti-CRT and anti-LGBTQ legislation, anti-immigrant policies, book bans, and the threat to reproductive rights—we recognize that these anti-democratic policies are based on the fear of an inclusive society.”

Inclusive Education Means Safe and Welcoming Schools

Schools should be safe and welcoming for all children—on this point responsible adults agree. But currently, discriminatory laws and censorship policies threaten the well-being of children. LGBTQ+ young people and families are being targeted, along with Black, Indigenous and other people of color and members of historically marginalized groups, whose histories and experiences are being misrepresented and erased.

During this back-to-school season, we encourage parents, caregivers, educators and community members to support the rights of all children to safety and representation. Advocate for the children and families in your communities who are being harmed.

These resources provide information about inclusive education practices that benefit all children.

Social Justice Standards

Comprised of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes divided into four domains—Identity, Diversity, Justice and Action—LFJ’s Social Justice Standards provide a framework teachers can use to guide curriculum development and administrators can use to make schools safer and more just. The Standards are leveled for every stage of K-12 education and include scenarios to show what anti-bias attitudes and behavior may look like in schools.

A Refuge for LGBTQ+ Young People

Student-run Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs are a federally protected space for young people to survive and thrive in the increasingly hostile anti-LGBTQ+ climate in schools and across the country. This recent magazine feature explains the importance of GSAs as spaces of refuge away from insults and violence, where students can connect with peers who face similar struggles and can offer understanding and acceptance.

Virtual Professional Learning Cohorts

Apply now!

Virtual Professional Learning Cohorts provide educators, free of charge, the chance to engage with LFJ materials and collaborate with social justice educators across the country, gaining insights and feedback on implementation.

LFJ Staff Picks: Film and Book Reviews

What We’re Watching

Morgan Jon Fox’s short film, The One You Never Forget, lasts only eight minutes, but each second is packed with relatable teenage feelings. The film follows Carey, a young Black boy getting ready for his first formal dance. His parents use she/her pronouns to refer to his date. But despite those assumptions, Carey’s dad models acceptance when a white boy named Hunter shows up. For students, this film opens a door for talking about how language can impose societal expectations and how small actions can make people feel welcome—even at something as stressful and awkward as a school dance. (8 min.)
Available on Vimeo | Middle and High School

What We’re Reading

In Ways To Grow Love (A Ryan Hart Story, 2), author Renée Watson perfectly captures the feeling of being in elementary school—of sweet childhood friendships, special moments with family, summer camp shenanigans and the seeming enormity of little things. It’s in those little things that this book shines. Ryan Hart is an endearing and relatable heroine—and a passionate Black girl in whom readers will see themselves. Nina Mata’s warm illustrations scattered throughout the book are a particular gift.

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