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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