The case for why exclusionary education in the name of "parents' rights" is unconstitutional. Plus courageous words from young trans activists.

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October 3, 2023


** Commit to Building a Just Future
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Exclusion Is Unconstitutional

In states across the nation, acts of censorship—removing books from school libraries, disciplining teachers for teaching about racism and gender identity—are being committed under the disingenuous banner of “parents’ rights.” But what about the rights of other parents? There are parents who want their children to learn the honest history of our nation and have an educational experience grounded in research-based practices that benefit all children.

In this new feature for Learning for Justice magazine ([link removed]) , law professor Khiara M. Bridges, Ph.D., J.D., argues that education in a democracy must prioritize the rights and well-being of all children and families—instead of caving to the demands of small groups claiming “parents’ rights” above all other considerations. “People must learn that in a democracy, it is wrong to expect that educational institutions will reflect only certain experiences, values and beliefs,” Bridges writes. “People must learn that when groups and communities have been made equal citizens under the law, educational institutions must teach their students in a way that is consistent with that equality.”
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** Building a Just Future
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How can educators and allies best support transgender students during this time of hostile attacks on their human rights? In this new LFJ magazine article ([link removed]) by Dorothee Benz, Ph.D., four transgender or nonbinary high school activists courageously share their stories, as well as some suggestions for how to help students who are experiencing anti-trans marginalization and discrimination. “Especially now in our current climate, it’s really hard for people to just listen,” says ishani. “There’s times when all you need to do is just take a step back and listen to what we’re saying, because at the end of the day, queer and trans youth know what we’re talking about because we’re living through it.” And Dayley urges, “When you see something happening, say something. Don’t be a bystander. Don’t sit patiently and watch the news and say, ‘Oh, I hope things get better.’ Actually be part of it.”


** Support Young People’s Freedom To Learn
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Children should have the right to safe, affirming and inclusive schools. To uplift Banned Books Week and to honor LGBTQ+ History Month, support young people’s freedom to read, learn and build a just future.
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** Changemakers
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In the face of oppressive legislation in Florida, some brave LGBTQ+ youth activists from the ChangeMakers Leadership Institute, a project of the Alliance for LGBTQ Youth, are advocating for inclusive education and community resilience. Read their story here ([link removed]) .

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** Freedom To Read, Freedom To Learn
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LFJ compiled this list of resources ([link removed]) to help families advocate for the freedom to obtain an honest and inclusive education. Learn more about how to engage our communities to serve all children.

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** What We’re Reading
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Felix Ever After ([link removed]) is a captivating coming-of-age story from the perspective of Felix Love, a 17-year-old transgender boy who longs to fall in love. Through Kacen Callender’s richly crafted setting and dialogue, you can practically taste what it’s like to be 17 in New York City. In this triumph of a novel, the author offers a window into Felix’s many intersecting identities—Black, queer, poor and young—in a refreshingly unapologetic and deeply human way. (Teens)

“Felix Ever After is raw, funny, heartbreaking and almost impossible to put down.” —Steffany Moyer, LFJ Staff

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** Virtual Open Enrollment Workshops ([link removed])
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Learning for Justice is excited to offer 90-minute, interactive, virtual, open-enrollment workshops centered on three resources: Social Justice Standards ([link removed]) , Let’s Talk! ([link removed]) and Speak Up at School ([link removed]) . To learn more about these professional development workshops click here ([link removed]) . The first session begins October 16, so register today!
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