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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Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline

School policies that include harsh punishments, automatic out-of-class time and police involvement for discipline contribute to pushing young people out of classrooms and into the criminal legal system. These punitive practices disproportionately affect Black and other children of color, students with disabilities, young people experiencing poverty and children from communities that have been historically marginalized. Urgent change is needed to end school pushout and dismantle this school-to-prison pipeline.

Learn From, Honor and Celebrate Black History

Celebrate Black History Month and resist attempts to erase the democratic values of justice, equity, inclusivity and diversity — our nation’s strengths. Black history in the United States includes understanding Black people’s resilience and contributions to our nation, along with strategies for coalition-building and justice movements that are essential today. Learning for Justice offers the following resources to help discuss, teach and learn from Black history all year long.

Honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day — which marks the 80th anniversary of the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau — we honor the memory of the 6 million Jews and the millions of Roma, Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, political dissidents and others who were murdered in the Holocaust. The world lost the perspectives and contributions of millions of individuals because of hate.

Understanding the Office and Holding the President of the United States Accountable

The president of the United States is the elected leader of the entire U.S. and must serve all who live here — not merely one constituency. They are responsible to everyone, and we have the reciprocal responsibility of holding the president accountable for everyone’s well-being. This is a central characteristic of living in a democratic society. To evaluate a president’s ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the office, we must understand the role and responsibilities, powers and limits on power, and systems of accountability.

Understanding the Values of Democracy

“We know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges.”
— President Jimmy Carter