Racial and Social Justice Are Education Justice
AEA EdJustice engages and mobilizes educators, allies, and activists in the fight for racial, social and economic justice in public education.
An education is a civil right, and any child who does not feel safe coming to school is being denied their civil right.
We are working tirelessly to dismantle systems of oppression that prevent children from accessing a great public education because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, or nationality.
Explore the issues below to advance justice with us.
Just & Safe Schools
We need to challenge systemic racism in school, so all students can focus on learning, instead of fearing criminalization.
Supporting Black Lives Matter
Let's broaden the movement of critical reflection and honest conversation in school communities for people of all ages.
Ending the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Zero tolerance and other exclusionary school discipline policies are pushing kids out of the classroom and into the criminal justice system.
Facing Hate & Bias at School
All students have a right to a public education in a safe learning environment. But, many students and educators around the country are reporting hostile and hateful environments in their schools and communities. When students feel that they are not welcome, their ability to learn and thrive is diminished.
Empowered School Communities
We need to make sure student, educator, and family voices are centered to create welcoming and affirming schools regardless of race, gender, background, or zip code.
Protecting Dreamers
We should not punish children for decisions they didn’t make. We should not separate families. We should provide a trusted path to citizenship for immigrant Dreamers.
Including Ethnic Studies
Students and educators are mobilizing to include voices and stories of the diverse ethnicities that have contributed to the history and culture of the United States.
Supporting LGBTQ Youth
LGTBQ students face unique challenges in our schools. Safe and affirming schools are a core element of student success.
Awards & Grants
Human and Civil Rights Award
This award recognizes Arizona leaders who promote diversity; programs that lead to improved human relations; efforts leading to improved school district support of human and civil rights; or successful implementation of human and civil rights program. The recipient receives a $1,000 cash award.
Diversity Award & Grant
The annual AEA Diversity Award recognizes excellence in teaching or promoting diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind through an instructional program or curriculum.
The AEA Diversity Grant is given to develop or pursue instructional programs or curriculum that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect for humankind. The maximum annual grant is $1,000.
Affirmative Action Award
This award honors leadership in increasing the number of students of color who choose to enter teaching, efforts that improve school-district hiring practices and increase people of color employment, and successful implementation of affirmative action policies within school districts.
Gay-Straight Alliance Encouragement Grant
This grant offers opportunities for Arizona Gay-Straight Alliances to improve the school climate for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Individual grants will be awarded for amounts between $50 and $250.
Suggested Further Reading
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Free resources to educators, who use materials to supplement their curriculum, inform their practices, and create civil and inclusive school communities.
Teaching Tolerance
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Comprehensive approach for creating and sustaining equitable schools.
Equity Learning Institute
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Helping districts improve the racial climate in their schools.
National Equity Project
