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Schools and communities across the United States marked the 19th anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School with walkouts, days of service and other actions and tributes. We commemorated this day by honoring the victims who died on April 20, 1999, and in the numerous school shootings that have occurred in the intervening years. We stand with all students and educators, and encourage school communities to continue having difficult conversations about gun violence, mental health and student trauma.

This week, national media reported on a Michigan school community meeting when, during a discussion of racism in schools, one parent asked another, “Why didn’t you stay in Mexico?” We stand with those in Michigan demanding better, and we know students and families are faced with racism and other forms of hate in school communities across the nation. Here’s how educators can help create safer, more inclusive school climates and support students and families.

Parents and caregivers are at the forefront in efforts to give children the foundation to build future inclusive societies. Nationally recognized anti-racist writer and educator Britt Hawthorne recommends starting early with children to create homes “rooted in justice, compassion and love.” These LFJ resources include recommendations for growing readers and their families that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice because, as Hawthorne explains, “When we’re genuinely in and relating to our community, we’ll sense the injustices and justices of the world.”