Social Justice - Why is it important in our classrooms?

Social justice being taught within a classroom is a touchy subject. Faculty might question it, administrators might question it, and parents might question it. However, students will encounter social justice every single day out in the world. Acknowledging the fact that our students face social justice and are keen observers of social justice and then relating that to academics in the classroom, can help students make real-world connections. Acknowledging and teaching social justice in the classroom is important because students may see it or experience it, but never understand it. Having an understanding of what social justice is what students need to be able to navigate the outside world and explore their own connections to social justice in the world. Students need to understand that they have a voice, they have a choice, and they have a right to stand up for their voice and their choice. With how much controversy and social justice that is in the world today, we need to be empowering our students to use their voice. Granted we also need to teach them how to use their voice appropriately and correctly.

According to Marilyn Cochran-Smith, "a social justice framework is one that "actively address[es] the dynamics of oppression, privilege, and isms, [and recognizes] that society is the product of historically rooted, institutionally sanctioned stratification along socially constructed group lines that include race, class, gender, secual orientation, and ability [among others]." (School of Education). Having a social justice framework means you must guide your students in understanding oppression, socialization, and challenging hierarchies. Guiding students on how to self-reflect on where they fit into this world and how they fit in will help them connect themselves. It may even guide you as a teacher. What does a social justice framework do? "It pays primary attention to how people, policies, practices, curricula, and institutions may be used to liberate rather than oppress those least served by our decision making." (School of Education).

Social justice is important in our classrooms. Helping students acknowledge their voice and understand what oppression is, can not only help them out in the world but also give insight into their own decisions and how they affect other people.

Quotes are pulled from: https://education.csuci.edu/justice-conference/faq.htm
An excerpt from a larger work.
I also found a teacher blog post that was very insightful and helped lead my own ideas. You can find it here: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/why-teaching-about-social-justice-matters