Art or Racist Relic? School Mural Controversy Offers Opportunity for Student Debate
Art or Racist Relic? School Mural Controversy Offers Opportunity for Student Debate

A mural at the entrance of a public high school in San Francisco is receiving national attention due to the controversial nature of its subject. This mural depicts the ugly side of American history, showing George Washington as a slaveowner and depicting Native Americans and African Americans in negative ways.

The debate about this mural raises many questions relevant to our students. The First Amendment, censorship, “trigger warnings,” and the role of art to provoke and evoke feelings are central to examinations of American history and culture.

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NewsNina Grotchart, free speech, censorship, San Francisco, education, history, United States, genocide, slavery, Native Americans, racism
A National Shame: Human Rights Abuses at the Border
A National Shame: Human Rights Abuses at the Border

President Trump’s comments about migrants and asylum-seekers crossing the southern border should be categorized as racist and xenophobic. Not surprisingly, his administration’s policies are in line with this dehumanizing language and have worsened the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

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NewsNikki Bambauerimmigration, refugees, racism, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, United Nations, asylum, migrants
Even Out the Playing Field: Gender Discrimination & the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
Even Out the Playing Field: Gender Discrimination & the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team

It has been hard to ignore one of the biggest events happening this month, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Thanks to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), soccer is not the only thing in the spotlight — so are gender discrimination, sexism, and unequal pay. 

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Human Rights, NewsGuest UserUSWNT, FIFA, soccer, sports, futbol, US Women's Team, Rapinoe, AlexMorgan, gender equality, women's rights
Teaching for an Active Electorate
Teaching for an Active Electorate

According to Article 21 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to take part in the government of their country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.  It is our responsibility as educators to make sure students have the opportunity to engage in the political process.

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EducationNina Grotchcivil rights, voting
How Do I Talk To Students About #MeToo?
How Do I Talk To Students About #MeToo?

How do we frame the issue of women’s rights as one of human rights? How does the #MeToo movement fit into this? How do we as educators, discuss this provocative topic in ways that dig deeper than the headlines of glittering celebrities and Hollywood? Finally, how can we position our students to understand the complicated issues that still face women and girls today?

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Human Rights, EducationGuest UserWoven Teachingwomen's rights, gender equality, consent