ESJ Statement on the Media

​            Understanding racism as those sets of attitudes and actions which express and support a hierarchical relationship among individuals or groups of people consequent to the color of their skin, the way that they speak, their ethnic identity, or other markers of social difference;
 
            Considering racism as endemic in many social, educational, political, and commercial institutions in our shared civic space, as well as in the individuals who form these institutions;

            Determined to disrupt and dismantle racist practices in the civic space wherever possible;

            The members of Educators for Social Justice resolve that in any communication or professional encounters with the public—including political, educational, and governmental officials; representatives of the media; and members of the corporate or business community—we will take the steps we deem necessary to:

• prevent in advance a racist statement or action from occurring
• publicly describe and analyze a racist action or expression should one occur
• educate the stakeholders and participants around the experience in a manner consistent with the principles of social justice and civil engagement

Questions for ESJ Members Prior to Outreach:

• Does the group represent the range of LSJ members with respect to age, culture, background, experience, and other identity variables? What might be the consequences in this encounter if it does not? What might be the consequences if it does?
• If not, can the representatives speak on behalf of the group as a whole?
• Is the individual or group prepared for the encounter with respect to background notes, talking points, ideas to suggest?
• Has the group spoken in advance about how to coordinate who speaks to what issue, given the nature of the medium, interviewer and topic?
• Does the individual or group have a copy of the resolution?
• Has the individual or group given a copy of the resolution and this checklist to the media contact in advance of the interview/encounter, and asked them to read it before the interview?

 
 Questions for the Interviewer(s) On Site:

• Do you have a copy of our resolution and have you had a chance to read it?
• With all due respect for the integrity and autonomy of your role and position, can you agree, in your editing or producing of the story, to make every attempt to recognize and represent the full range of LSJ members with respect to age, ethnic and cultural identity, other variables?

• In the story overall, will the public be exposed to multiple perspectives and values? 
• Will the story promote understanding of our diverse society?