Justice. Equity. Diversity. Inclusivity. These are the foundational principles of a thriving, multiracial and inclusive democracy. Such a democracy is essential in building a more just future for all our children. And to build that future, we need inclusive education to develop understanding of these foundational principles.
Inclusive education promotes learning spaces that are affirming and safe for all young people, considers representation of diverse identities in curricula and policies, and is intentional in creating equitable opportunities for all children to learn and thrive.
In the 2023 article “The Promise of Inclusive Education,” Gregory Anderson, professor and education policy leader at Temple University, emphasized that: “Democracy cannot be sustained, let alone flourish, in the 21st century without open and robust spaces for rational discussion and analysis about our different experiences and viewpoints. This is an essential reason why inclusive education is crucial to our basic self-interests and our collective success. Our schools must furnish a diverse platform to teach all students how to intellectually navigate a world full of profound challenges and an assortment of competing ideas, perspectives, cultures, religions, languages and philosophies.”
And in “Exclusion Is Unconstitutional,” Khiara Bridges, professor of law at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Law, counters censorship by politically motivated “parent groups” by pointing out: “There are parents who want their children to learn the honest history of our nation and to have an educational experience grounded in research-based practices that benefit all children. There are parents who want their children to have an education that fosters democratic principles and responsible citizenship. Is education in a democracy to be determined by the demands of small groups claiming ‘parents’ rights’ above the rights and well-being of all children and families?”
Parent, caregiver and community advocacy is crucial as children’s right to inclusive learning spaces is being limited in some states and communities. While the media often highlights the efforts of a few politically motivated “parents’ groups” to censor teaching and to exclude some children and families from representation, we know that most parents and caregivers support fair and inclusive education practices that protect the learning and well-being of all children.
Inclusive Education for All Our Children
The following recommendations for parents, caregivers and community members can help you to advocate for inclusive education in your communities.
- Build strong relationships with educators. Discuss with teachers and administrators the best ways to communicate. Let educators know that you support inclusive learning and practices.
- Advocate for young people and educators with administrators and district staff and in your community. State your public support for inclusive learning. By sharing your stance, you are expressing solidarity with young people and educators.
- Show up to speak up at school board meetings. Encourage and support educators who are advocating for inclusive education at board meetings.
- Participate in parent organizations such as your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA). This will provide an opportunity to work with other families and to build a coalition of allies
- Identify and engage allies in the school and community. Work with educators to build coalitions and support students who are advocating for more inclusive schools.
- Support young people by encouraging school administrators and educators to honor students’ identities. Encourage symbols of equity and allyship in classrooms and throughout the school to create physical reminders that school should be a safe and affirming space for all students.
- Know your child’s rights and your basic rights as a parent regarding schools and students’ education. Research some basic information on your rights, such as these articles:
“15 Rights Parents Have in Public School” from GreatSchools and “Your Rights as the Parent of a Public School Student” from Colorín Colorado. - Contact your state legislators. Whether asking to meet with legislators one on one or contacting them via email, letter, phone or social media, parents and caregivers should express the importance of inclusive education practices in helping children feel safe and accepted.
- The Intercultural Development Research Association’s (IDRA) guide “How To Meet With Your Elected Official” is a helpful starting point for preparing to talk to a legislator. IDRA also has helpful tips on how to navigate the policymaking process such as the guide 6 Advocacy Lessons Learned from Fighting Against Classroom Censorship Policies.
- Support your local libraries and everyone’s right to read. Work with librarians and other community members to discuss the importance of diverse books and to counter book bans.
In her 2023 interview with Learning for Justice, Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, reminded us of the essential role of education: “Educating our next generation of leaders about where we’ve been and how far we have to go is our best hope for realizing a just and equitable future.”