Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is fast approaching! From February 1-5, educators, students and allies across race and place are taking action on key priorities to ensure students have public schools where they can grow and thrive. These priorities were adopted by the delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly:
- Ending zero-tolerance policies and replacing them with restorative justice practices
- Hiring and mentoring black educators
- Mandating that Ethnic Studies be taught in preK-12 schools in age-appropriate ways
- Hiring more counselors not cops
Prior to being adopted by the NEA Representative Assembly in 2019, these demands were initially conceived and publicized by the founding Steering Committee members of the National Black Lives Matter at School. You can learn more about their work at www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com. They have also been instrumental in developing many of the tools and resources used by NEA and in schools around the country for Black Lives Matter in School Week. You can find additional valuable resources at their website.
Learn more about how Hackensack Education Association members organized activities for the 2020 Black Lives Matter at School Week.
Here are some ideas from NEA for 2021:
Share the NEA Ed Justice Black Lives Matter at School pledge. When our educators and allies sign the pledge, we’ll connect them with more actions they can take, including a link to free downloadable NEA EdJustice Black Lives Matter at School art, lesson plans, sample school board resolutions and more.
Get inspired by the growing movement for Black Lives Matter at School by checking out the map detailing virtual actions happening around the country. Already have an activity or event planned? Add it to our interactive map.
Spread the word about Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action with this social media toolkit containing sample messages, social media shares and new art.
When we come together for education justice, all students win. While the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is scheduled for February 1-5, we will take action to support Black, brown and Indigenous students all year long. Share the NEA Ed Justice Black Lives Matter at School pledge to commit to making sure Black lives thrive at school.