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Racial & Social Justice Are Education Justice

NEA 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 .

Rocio Inclan
Public schools power our communities, but their strength depends on us addressing the systemic inequities that our students and communities face.
Quote by: Rocío Inclán , Senior Director, NEA Center for Social Justice

Just and Safe Schools

We need to challenge systemic racism in school, so all students can focus on learning, instead of fearing criminalization.
Woman speaking in front of black lives matter sign

Supporting Black Lives Matter

Let's broaden the movement of critical reflection and honest conversation in school communities for people of all ages.
Understand BLM event principles Find a school event Pledge your support
Women with sign: "Children belong in school"

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.
Understand the impact Sign the petition
Rally with people holding signs that say Our Schools, Our Solutions

Creating Safe Schools

When police and immigration authorities aggressively pursue enforcement activities on or around school property, they interfere with all students' ability to learn.
See what schools are doing Share your school's work
Tamika portrait
What we’re seeing right now is another boiling point in America: the effects of systemic and institutionalized racism coming to a head. Black Americans and their allies are coming together to stand up to injustices.
Quote by: Tamika Walker Kelly , Elementary Music Specialist, Fayetteville, NC

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.
NEA leader standing in front of Love Sculpture

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

LGTBQ students face unique challenges in our schools. Safe and affirming schools are a core element of student success.
Pledge to stand against hate and bias Do more to protect LGBTQ students
People at the U.S. Capitol with signs that say I stand with dreamers.

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.
Defend the long-term future of Dreamers Know your rights to advocate
flag ceremony

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.
Learn more
Rainbow mural in Schwab Elementary School

Stopping the Use of Offensive Mascots

Native American and Alaskan Native mascots and team names have a negative impact on students' learning environments.
Sign the petition Read the evidence
Amber Ingram
The increase in the legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights over the last decade—as well as the work to accept and celebrate their lives—means that educating our students about the history and realities of LGBTQ+ is essential.
Quote by: Amber Myrrh Ingram , ESL Elementary School Teacher, Orange, NJ

The Human and Civil Rights Awards

The Human and Civil Rights Awards honor individuals and affiliates that promote and defend human and civil rights, and encourage NEA members to replicate the awardees courageous activities.

Our community of educator-activists work tirelessly to make a more just and equitable future for their students. Join us as we celebrate success, learn from experience, and support each other in our fight for opportunity for all students.

Honoring Our Activists

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Conference on Racial and Social Justice

Our annual conference provides a unique space for educators, students, parents and families, organizers, community members and leaders to unite for the advancement of Justice in Education.

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Connect with us on social.

We offer many ways for you to get the latest news and connect with the Association and your colleagues through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Join our communities
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
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