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With the increase in politically motivated attacks on the rights of transgender youth to receive affirming care, we must all work to create safer spaces in schools and in our communities for trans and nonbinary students. Understanding gender-affirming care for youth is an essential step, and the willingness to learn will help you counter the disinformation that endangers LGBTQ+ youth. These LFJ resources can help foster such understanding. 

Traumatic stress can have long-term health effects on developing brains and, in response, districts across the United States are acknowledging the role that trauma plays in students’ achievement opportunities. But how well are districts defining trauma? And how well do educators understand what it really means to practice trauma-informed pedagogy? These LFJ resources can help educators learn how to recognize the signs of trauma, better understand the causes of trauma, and take steps to establish social and emotional safety in the classroom.

People in the United States have long resisted domination by seeking out learning, and that tradition fuels LFJ’s current defiance against narrow views of U.S. national identity and commitment to elevate our vibrant diversity through inclusive learning. We resist the pressures of book bans and participate in advancing an expansive narrative that bolsters a dynamic, diverse democracy.

In the current hostile learning environment created by censorship laws and policies aimed at prohibiting the teaching of honest history and further marginalizing LGBTQ+ students and educators, social justice education is essential. The Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards are designed to guide educators in developing inclusive curricula to make schools safer and more just and equitable. Comprised of four domains—identity, diversity, justice and action—the Social Justice Standards are intended for all content areas alongside state and Common Core standards.

Analyzing whose perspective is centered and whose is erased in significant conversations and spheres of influence paints a clear picture—an inconvenient truth— about the pervasiveness of systemic racism. And it’s particularly important that Black children see themselves represented in these narratives—especially in those spaces where Black people are intentionally rendered invisible. These LFJ resources highlight what’s at stake in the choices we make.

Legally obligated to enroll and support immigrant students—regardless of status—public schools often present numerous obstacles for young people and their families.