Can't Be Erased: Rallying Against Book Bans and Curriculum Censorship

New York

EdTrust–New York is a statewide education policy and advocacy organization focused first and foremost on doing right by New York’s children. Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we advocate for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked.

West

EdTrust–West is committed to dismantling the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust-West engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.

Massachusetts

The Education Trust team in Massachusetts convenes and supports the Massachusetts Education Equity Partnership (MEEP), a collective effort of more than 20 social justice, civil rights and education organizations from across the Commonwealth working together to promote educational equity for historically underserved students in our state’s schools.

Can’t Be Erased: Rallying Against Book Bans and Curriculum Censorship

April 17, 2024 by EdTrust

Can't Be Erased: An Event to Rally Against Book Bans and Curriculum Censorship Register, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 6 PM ET

Join EdTrust and renowned leaders in education and civil rights for an essential conversation on how to push back against efforts to suppress the teaching of honest history and diversity of identities and ideas. Banning books and curtailing lessons about race, gender, and identity not only stifle academic growth, but also obscure students’ understanding of diverse cultures both in the U.S. and the world around them. Sadly, research shows that teachers, even in states and districts without these bans, are limiting discussion of important topics.

The call to provide every student with a culturally relevant curriculum in a safe, inclusive environment has never been more pressing. Students, the majority of whom are of color, need to be taught a complete history of our nation and see themselves in their learning materials; not doing so will leave them ill-prepared to succeed in a multicultural society. Through this panel discussion, you’ll learn how families, advocates, and communities can unite to confront these challenges head on — because when we protect students, we protect our democracy.

Speakers include:

Heather Harding, executive director, Campaign for Our Shared Future
Dr. David Johns, CEO and executive director, National Black Justice Coalition
Preston Mitchum, author, attorney, civil rights advocate, and Bravo TV personality currently on Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard
Brittany Packnett Cunningham, activist, MSNBC analyst, and host Undistracted podcast
Meili Powell, assistant director, Advocacy & Engagement, EdTrust Tennessee
Kurt Russell, 2022 National Teacher of the Year and veteran high school social studies teacher
Christopher Bruce, political director ACLU of Georgia, senior advisor of strategic partnerships of Southern Collective
Khy’Ryn Jefferson, CEO of The Youth Community of Baton Rouge, student advocate
With remarks by: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), sponsor of the Books Save Lives Act

When:

Wednesday, April 17, 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET

Who We Are

Midwest

New York

Tennessee

West

Louisiana

Texas

Washington

Massachusetts

Can’t Be Erased: Rallying Against Book Bans and Curriculum Censorship