3/14/18: ESJ Solidarity Statement Supporting Youth Activism to end Gun Violence and Calling for Peace Education

Gun violence in educational institutions has become an epidemic. We applaud the youth around the nation who are leading the way in demanding peace. From Parkland, Florida to St. Louis, Missouri, youth
are leading peace efforts.  On March 24th, students from the Parkway School District will lead the March for our Lives rally in St. Louis.

We stand with these youth and their teachers to call for:

• Public dialogue on gun violence that includes an analysis of systemic roots causes of violence;
• Recognition of the interconnections between the militarization of schools, police brutality in the streets, and endless wars around the globe;
• Educators who can help educate a new generation of peace-keepers by promoting peace in day-to-day classroom interactions as well as teaching about oppression and violence.
• Educators for Social Justice acknowledges the interconnections between violence and oppression and calls for classrooms and schools filled with humanizing pedagogy that fosters love, joy, and hopefulness.