Should the U.S. Government Take Steps to Decrease Carbon Emissions?
Climate change is one of the most polarizing topics of the past decade, and it will surely be on the minds of voters when they head to the polls this November. This week, we want to hear students weigh in on the topic: Should the U.S. Government Take Steps to Reduce Carbon Emissions?  The students who make the strongest case for their position win a gift card, swag, and a chance at a $1,000 scholarship. Their referring teachers also receive gift cards and swag for themselves and their entire class.

Why Educate: New Podcast Episode
The start of the school year prompts Mary, Gary, and Eryn to reflect on the broader concept of education and how schooling has evolved throughout history. In this new episode of Fabric of History, they explore how educational structures reflected the times during which they were implemented and what modern-day schooling says about our values today. Has the purpose of education changed over time? And what should the future of education look like?

Dear John,

As our country continues to mourn the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and think through the days ahead, I want to draw your attention to the essay the winner of our We the Students Essay Contest winner, Derek Jiang, wrote last spring. He wrote about the enduring friendship between the late Justices Ginsburg and Scalia, highlighting how – despite their strong differences of political opinion – each recognized the importance of focusing on their shared values, rather than their judicial differences. In his essay, Derek wrote,

“I often pondered how Scalia and Ginsburg got along so well. After all, the two must have argued incessantly, and up until recently, I always thought the presence of two conflicting viewpoints in a conversation meant the inevitable clashing of two armies...When asked on 60 Minutes how he and Ginsburg got along so well, Justice Antonin Scalia replied, “I attack ideas. I don’t attack people.” That is the cornerstone of proper civil discourse–the exchange of ideas without personal attacks. It is building bridges between people to understand each other, not burning them down. It is neither side actively trying to 'win,' yet both sides coming out as winners. It is exercising our freedom of thought and speech to educate others. It is listening, respecting, and caring for our fellow citizens."

Justice Ginsberg's life is inspirational for so many reasons. In the midst of our reflections on her life, may we also be encouraged to take a page from her playbook and seek friendships like she and Justice Scalia had, those in which we can be adversaries and thoughtful, caring people at the same time. 

Be well, be encouraged, and stay safe!

Laura Vlk
Senior Manager, Teacher Services
Bill of Rights Institute