Public schools are an ideal and vital mechanism for achieving a thriving democracy. This is the first of three articles on public schools as a common good, which explore the possibilities and threats to public education.
Education Justice Now
Education Justice Is Crucial for a Thriving Democracy
During this back-to-school season, let’s support the education and well-being of all young people. Learning for Justice offers new and updated education justice resources with research-based practices that benefit all students and help ensure more inclusive public schools that foster excellence and equity. Education justice is crucial if we are to achieve a thriving multiracial democracy.
Visit the Education Justice series for resources!
Education Justice
Public education is an essential common-good service and a cornerstone of democracy. This series of articles and resources can help us recognize damaging policies and practices and formulate strategies to ensure equitable public education.
Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of the Department of Education
By fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access, the Department of Education is a vital federal agency for the future of our nation.
View, discuss and share
See and share past Moments using these options.
Learn with us to strengthen democracy and build a more just society
Episode 7: Diverse Experience of the Enslaved
The experiences of enslaved people varied greatly based on a variety of factors, including time, location, crop, labor performed, size of slaveholding and gender. Yet, most students leave school thinking enslaved people lived like the biased representation in Gone With the Wind. Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., discusses how the lived experience of slavery varied and evolved. (New resource page, Sept. 2025.)