The Freedom To Learn National Day of Action is May 3—these resources can help you take action.

If you are having trouble reading this email, read the online version. ([link removed])
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May 1, 2024


** Freedom To Read, Freedom To Learn
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It’s crucial now more than ever to champion education that is inclusive and honest and that promotes critical thinking. To strengthen our democracy, we must resist campaigns that aim to ban books, exclude participation and censor social justice in education.

May 3 is the Freedom to Learn National Day of Action. The Learning for Justice resource page supporting Freedom To Learn ([link removed]) has been newly updated. We encourage you to participate and support young people’s freedom to read, learn and build a just future.

The following two resources are highlights and examples of the types of content found on LFJ’s Freedom To Learn resource page ([link removed]) :
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** Book Reviews for Children and Teens
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Stories are a deeply meaningful way that we learn about the world, and they can build empathy and understanding of ourselves and others. This resource page ([link removed]) offers a few of our favorite book recommendations from our magazine book reviews that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice.

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** Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion
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All young people should have the right to safe, affirming and inclusive schools. But currently, LGBTQ+ young people and families are being targeted, and their histories and experiences are being misrepresented and erased. These LFJ materials ([link removed]) can help you advocate for the children and families in your communities who are being harmed.


** Coming Soon
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Visit Learning for Justice ([link removed]) each week for new articles and resources.
* Teaching About Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (New Article)

* Supporting Students From Immigrant Families (Updated Resource Page)

* Learning From the Civil Rights Movement (New Resource Page)

* Civics for Democracy: Engaging Young People in Voting (New Article and Toolkit)


** News and Events
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** Freedom To Learn National Day of Action: May 3 ([link removed])
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The African American Policy Forum will be holding its second annual Freedom To Learn National Day of Action this Friday, May 3. Advocates and allies all over the country will join forces to unite against censorship in our schools and communities. Learn more and find a local activation here. ([link removed])
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** Keep Her Safe: Centering Black Girls in School Safety
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This new case study and report—by the National Women’s Law Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center with Black girls in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS)—demonstrates how critical insights can come from centering Black girls in the school safety conversation. The report is the first of its kind to primarily highlight the voices of Black girls and young women ages 14 to 24 who have attended M-DCPS. Read more about the new report here ([link removed]) or download the full PDF here ([link removed]) .

New report from Columbia University's Center for Public Research and Leadership: Improving Educational Access, Performance, and Outcomes for Students With Disabilities ([link removed]) . The report examines state and district structures and processes for oversight and support of special education services in schools across the country, and applies learnings to the Louisiana Department of Education and New Orleans Public Schools.


** Spotlight
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** Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage
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May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month! This collection of LFJ resources ([link removed]) provides opportunities to explore the expansive impact of the AAPI community on the United States. You can also check out this list of recommended AAPI books ([link removed]) from the SPLC.


** Reminders and Subscriptions
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** Learning for Justice in the South
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Do you live or work in any of LFJ’s five Deep South focus states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi—or do you know anyone who does? Spread the word that LFJ is working in these states to build a community of educators, parents and caregivers, and community members who support inclusive education for all our young people. As a special gift (while supplies last), new LFJ magazine subscribers from these states will receive an introductory package that includes some of our most recent publications. Learn more and sign up here. ([link removed])
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“We have to harvest and cultivate our own stories, not just to feel valid, but to feel rejoiced.”
—Kay Ulanday Barrett ([link removed])

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© 2024 Learning for Justice. All rights reserved.

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