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Critical Practices for Social Justice Education is a resource guide to support K-12 educators in growing their understanding of social justice principles and integrating them into their practice. This revised edition is informed by the current social and political landscape and acknowledges the ways educators have been challenged by increased political scrutiny, censorship and debate about what can be taught in schools. Despite these challenges, educators across the country have renewed their commitment to inclusive, affirming and equitable education.

Education censorship and discriminatory book bans—like the policies pushed by politicians in Florida—are undemocratic and threaten children’s well-being and right to learn. As students head back to school, let us all commit to supporting honest history and inclusive curricula. These LFJ resources support educators in teaching truth and parents and caregivers in advocating for inclusive education.

Schools should be safe and welcoming for all children—on this point responsible adults agree. But currently, discriminatory laws and censorship policies threaten the well-being of children. LGBTQ+ young people and families are being targeted, along with Black, Indigenous and other people of color and members of historically marginalized groups, whose histories and experiences are being misrepresented and erased.

The accurate history of American slavery should be taught to children in age-appropriate and honest ways that develop critical thinking, while recognizing that Black history is U.S. history and goes beyond slavery. These LFJ publications—including Teaching Hard History: American Slavery, a K-12 curriculum framework—reinforce the importance of teaching this history honestly and provide resources for educators and parents.

Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers and play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future. Learning for Justice aims to provide resources and information on current issues in education for parents, caregivers, educators and all community members who are concerned about current censorship and hostile school environments, and who want to create supportive and inclusive learning spaces where all children can thrive.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) enabled millions of Black and other voters of color an opportunity to participate in our democracy. Ten years ago, on June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened a key provision of the landmark VRA. These LFJ articles remind us of the struggle for voting rights and education and the powerful legacy of Freedom Summer 1964. As we confront current voter suppression and education censorship, let us continue the fight for justice in today's movement.