The Moment Archive

The Moment is LFJ’s online editorial column, which contains articles and content to address what is happening in social justice education—and society—right now.
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Advocate for BIPOC Mental Health This Year

It’s essential that educators, students and the entire school community work to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues, especially during Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month. Help interrupt school practices that disregard mental health—particularly for Black youth, who are less likely to receive adequate mental health care. Use these webinars to understand and practice self-care and address challenges students face.

Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Celebrate Disability Pride Month by supporting and advocating for students with disabilities. These resources include real-life examples to model accessible learning environments for all students. Center the perspectives of people with disabilities to build students' understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can also print and display this beautiful poster with a quote by educator, activist and poet Kay Ulanday Barrett.

Discriminatory Policies at the Summer Olympics

From a policy banning swim caps designed for natural Black hair to a ruling that several Black women can’t compete because of naturally high testosterone levels, some Olympic policies reflect stereotypes and discriminatory dress codes that many Black girls and women face in schools. As you prepare for next school year, these resources can help you assess your school’s dress code, advocate for inclusion and check that you don’t reinforce harmful stereotypes about women and women athletes.

Freedom Summer 1964—and Ongoing Civil Rights Battles

Freedom Summer not only marked the mobilization of civil rights organizers in Mississippi during the 1960s, but it also yielded the creation of Freedom Schools and historic legislation. The fight for civil rights continues today, from voting rights to efforts to keep educators from teaching truthfully about our country’s full history. Use these resources next school year to help students contextualize Freedom Summer and how it connects to movements today.

‘Plyler v. Doe’: All Students Deserve an Education

June 15 marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe. The court ruled in 1982 that schools could not deny students a public education based on their citizenship status. Use these resources, including SPLC’s new guide and pamphlets for advocating for immigrant students and emerging English speakers, to ensure your school is doing right by students and families.

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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.

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