Amid a rise in incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism, educators can use these strategies to support their students and communities.

If you are having trouble reading this email, read the online version. ([link removed])
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April 10, 2024


** Understanding and Countering Antisemitism and Islamophobia in Schools
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The effects of global events reverberate in our schools just as they do throughout society. The past six months of conflict in Israel and Gaza have led to a dramatic increase in hate incidents targeting people who are—or are perceived to be—Jewish, Muslim or Arab, and this rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia extends to our schools, as well.

Learning for Justice’s newest article ([link removed]) gives educators resources they can use to understand and address bigotry and proactively take measures to stop hate and emphasize inclusion. The article provides essential overviews of Islamophobia and antisemitism and context for how these forms of hate and bias can manifest in schools. The accompanying toolkit shares strategies and resources for countering bigotry and fostering safer and more inclusive culture in schools and communities. “Young people experience the same pain, anger and fear surrounding violence and wars as adults do, but they are still developing the cognitive and social emotional skills needed to understand these events,” the article reminds us. “That’s why we must all support young people in times of conflict.”


** Recent Publications
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** Teaching Toward Liberation With Love: Q&A With Author Jamilah Pitts
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Toward Liberation—the first book from educator, writer, social entrepreneur and yoga teacher Jamilah Pitts—is full of practical information to help educators engage in continued professional development about how to achieve the book title's goal: how to “teach toward liberation.” In this new Q&A ([link removed]) with LFJ, Pitts discusses her work and her hopes for the future.

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** Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Supports Inclusive Education
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Ensuring education is inclusive of young people with diverse needs and abilities takes intentional practice. This LFJ article ([link removed]) and toolkit offers guidance on how the UDL framework can help educators change their learning environments to make them more accessible, creating equitable spaces that are more inclusive and provide immediate and practical benefits for everyone.

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** Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People and Families
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All young people—including LGBTQ+ youth and children of LGBTQ+ families—should have the right to safe, affirming and inclusive schools. This LFJ resource page ([link removed]) contains an up-to-date list of materials that educators, parents and caregivers, and other allies can use to support LGBTQ+ children and families—a responsibility that is especially important as more states move to marginalize LGBTQ+ people.

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** Teaching Mindful Media Creation (Webinar Recording)
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Did you miss our March webinar, Teaching Mindful Media Creation? Never fear! You can watch a complete recording of the webinar—featuring a panel discussion with insight from the public radio experts at KQED of Northern California—on LFJ’s website ([link removed]) , along with recordings of other previous webinars.


** News and Events
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** Webinar: Supporting Youth Activism (April 16)
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Join LFJ on Tuesday, April 16, at 3:30 p.m. CDT for an exciting new webinar all about supporting youth activism. Through real-world examples, you’ll gain tools, resources and insights for supporting young people as they engage in activism in their communities. Learn more and register here. ([link removed])


** Beyond the Classroom: Moving History to Our Communities (In-Person Event—Saturday, April 13) ([link removed])
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Calling all educators in or near New Orleans: You’re invited to join LFJ and the Southern Poverty Law Center for a free program at Dillard University to support pre-service and classroom educators in their efforts to teach Black history. This program will provide resources and strategies to teach Black history and combat its erasure in K-12 spaces and beyond. Learn more and register here. ([link removed])


** Spotlight
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** Did You Know?
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LFJ’s Publications page collects all of our most recent published works—curriculum guides, advocacy manuals, educational standards and much more—in one convenient location. Start exploring here! ([link removed])


** What We’re Reading
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In Solito: A Memoir ([link removed]) , Javier Zamora describes his journey as a 9-year-old from El Salvador to “La USA” to reunite with his parents. The coyote promises the trip will take two weeks, but it stretches into two terrifying months. To survive, Zamora leans on his new family, who encircle him with care and love.

“Zamora’s memoir humanizes the perspective of immigrants, particularly child migrants, who undertake dangerous treks into the U.S.”


** Reminders and Subscriptions
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** Virtual Open Enrollment Workshops
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LFJ offers 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]) . Learn more and register here ([link removed]) . The first session begins May 7, so register today!

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“If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.”
—James Baldwin ([link removed])

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