Uplifting Banned Books Week
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.

Resisting Dominant Narratives

Debbie Reese on Book Bans and Native Representation

Celebrating Banned Books Means Advocating for LGBTQ Texts
Social Justice Education Is Essential
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.

Social Justice Standards
Digging Deep Into the Social Justice Standards: Identity
Digging Deep Into the Social Justice Standards: Diversity
Acknowledging the Inconvenient Truths of Bias and Erasure
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.

Black Visibility Matters: The Inconvenient Truths of Bias and Erasure

It Has Stayed With Me

Use the Tools of Science to Recognize Inequity in Science
Supporting Immigrant Students as the School Year Begins
Legally obligated to enroll and support immigrant students—regardless of status—public schools often present numerous obstacles for young people and their families.

Protecting Immigrant Students’ Rights

Immigrant and Refugee Children: A Guide for Educators and School Support Staff

Supporting and Affirming Immigrant Students and Families
Supporting Young Children in the Pursuit of Justice
Teaching children empathy that leads to justice means much more than teaching kindness. Adults—educators, parents and caregivers—who support young learners have the opportunity to create “culture[s] of justice” in which empathy and justice are the priority. These LFJ resources feature strategies that educators, parents and caregivers can use to actively engage little learners as they develop age-appropriate skills and understanding that will lead them forward in the pursuit of justice.

Teaching Kindness Isn’t Enough

How PBS' 'Arthur' Resources Support Prosocial Behavior and Critical Literacy
