Releases

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February 20th, 2019

CEJ Releases Report Highlighting Lack of Diversity in NYC Elementary School Curricula

On February 20th, CEJ released a comprehensive report on the lack of representation of students of color in NYC’s elementary school curricula, and called on the NYC Department of Education (DOE) to create Culturally Responsive Curriculum in New York City schools. The city has committed publicly to increasing diversity and integration in public schools, but has not addressed the absence of authors and characters of color in the curriculum. CEJ’s new report reveals the depth of the lack of representation, diversity and inclusivity, through the evaluation of more than 700 books across three commonly-used book lists and seven K-5th grade English Language Arts (ELA) curricula.

Read the whole report here.

Read the Executive Summary here.

Click here to read CEJ’s press release.

Click on the links below for additional media coverage of February 20th’s rally announcing the release of the report.

Black and Hispanic Authors and Characters Missing from NYC Schoolbooks: Report,” New York Daily News.

Advocate Groups Protest Cultural Disparities Taught in Grade School Literature,” New York 1.

Educational Justice Advocates Push for a More Culturally Responsive School Curriculum,” Amsterdam News

October 15th, 2017

Indigenous People’s Day Rally to advocate for Culturally Responsive Education!

CEJ Indigenous Peoples Day 10-9 (21)

On October 9th, CEJ held a teach-in and rally to honor Indigenous People’s Day. Over 100 parents, students and community members gathered to learn about indigenous traditions in the Americas, denounce the celebration of Columbus Day, and call on Mayor de Blasio to expand Culturally Responsive Education in NYC schools.  The danza group Cetiliztli Nauhcampa performed, and parents and students spoke about the need for anti-bias training for school staff, multicultural curriculum and courses that respect and reflect the backgrounds and experiences of all NYC students. Speakers emphasized that the fact that NYC students are still celebrating murder, rape and genocide through Columbus Day – while many other cities have embraced Indigenous People’s Day – is a disgrace. CEJ will continue to push the Mayor and the NYC Department of Education to lead the nation in #Education4Liberation.

October 15th, 2017

Indigenous People’s Day Rally

CEJ Indigenous Peoples Day 10-9 (24)

CEJ’s Indigenous People’s Day teach-in and rally on October 9th was covered by various city news organizations because of its strong attendance, diverse perspectives and unified mission. Over 100 parents, students and community members gathered to learn about indigenous traditions in the Americas, denounce the celebration of Columbus Day, and call on Mayor de Blasio to expand Culturally Responsive Education in NYC schools. The event, and additional protests throughout the city, sparked crucial dialogue about inaccurate historical narrative and students’ cultural identity. To read news coverage, click on the links below:

“Columbus Day Parade Marches on Amid Controversy, Rain”, NBC New York: “A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the U.S. Critics of Columbus say he was a ruthless explorer who treated indigenous people abhorrently.” 

“Indigenous Peoples Day? Italians say stick with Columbus”, Fox 5 News, New York: “Indigenous Peoples Day began to gel as an idea before the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. South Dakota began celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday of October in 1990. Berkeley, California, got rid of Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992.”

“Protesters demand ‘accurate’ Columbus school curriculum”, New York Post: “This isn’t just about changing the name of a holiday or the removal of a document . . . During the past school year, young people have been exposed to hate in ways most have never experienced before. It is more important than ever that our students are learning accurate versions of history and are exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives.”

“Padres afirman que no los involucran en lucha contra el ‘bullying’ (Parents say they are not able to be involved in the fight against ‘bullying’)”, El Diario New York: “A mi hija le hicieron ‘bullying’ acá en esta escuela y se tomaron varios días antes de que tomaran acciones . . . Debería haber programas más efectivos y hacerle seguimiento y entender que las cosas pequeñas van creciendo y pueden terminar en tragedias”. (“My daughter was bullied here at this school and they took several days before they took action . . . There should be more effective programs and follow up and understand that small things are growing and can end in tragedies.”)

 

 

June 28th, 2017

Juneteenth Rally for Racial Justice in the Classroom!

juneteenth copy 2

In remembrance of Juneteenth, the date on which the last enslaved Africans in the US were freed, students, parents and allies came together to rally for racial justice in the classroom. From the steps of City Hall, we called on the Mayor to make Culturally Responsive Education (CRE) a centerpiece of his second term education agenda.

Culturally Responsive Education includes…

  • A curriculum that reflects all cultures
  • Positive discipline policies
  • Diverse teachers and leadership
  • Cultural competency and anti-bias training for all school staff
  • Transformative parent engagement

Want to learn more about why our children need a culturally responsive education and the positive impacts its had on children throughout the country? Click here!

Want to learn more about the Juneteenth and its historical significance? Click here!

To read the Juneteenth press release, click here!

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