June 3, 2020By Robbie Earle

What We Can Do about Police Brutality & Racism in and out of the Classroom

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all resources related to police use-of-force. Instead, we hope that these recommendations give you a simple place to start and that you find what you need to help, whether it’s through the classroom, civic action, or by donating to an organization working on police violence.

Resources to help you take action

Campaign Zero — In my opinion, Campaign Zero is doing some of the best work on actionable, evidence-based policies and legislation that can eliminate police violence. If this problem feels too overwhelming, start with Campaign Zero. They break it down into 10 easy-to-understand policies that you can pressure your state representatives to adopt, regardless of where you live. — Robbie

Use of Force Project — An offshoot of Campaign Zero, the Use of Force Project focuses on pressuring police departments into adopting specific, common-sense reforms — like banning choke-holds or requiring that officers give verbal warnings. Those simple reforms keep both citizens and police officers themselves safe. Click on your city to see how few of them have been adopted where you live, and then call your local leaders to demand more. — Robbie

National Bail Fund Network — A collection of over 60 community bail and bond funds across the country. The National Bail Fund Network is an easy way to make a difference for those who are risking their physical safety to peacefully protest police brutality. If your community is not on here, a quick google search should bring up some local options. — Marika

Black Lives Matter — The original movement that created both Campaign Zero and the Use of Force Project. Click here if you’re interested in starting or joining a chapter or want other resources on how to promote anti-racism beyond just police violence. — Robbie

NAACP Legal Defense Fund — The NAACP LDF has worked for decades to try to transform our nation’s legal system from inside. One of the easiest and best things you can do to try to make our legal system more equitable and fair is to donate here. Though those donations won’t necessarily go toward police brutality per se, basically every case the LDF takes on is designed to meaningfully change legal precedent in an anti-racist direction. — Robbie

Resources for you, the educator

Before we educate others, it’s important to educate ourselves. Here’s a few books we personally recommend:

Eloquent Rage, Dr. Brittney Cooper

Cooper addresses the specific challenges of being a black woman in modern America in an accessible, powerful voice that invites you to critically examine your own personal brand of feminism. I learned more about intersectional feminism from this book than any other book I’ve read on the subject. — Marika

The Warmth of Other Suns, Isabel Wilkerson

An amazing narrative spanning decades that tells the stories of African Americans that moved out of the south, to the north and west in search of a better life and the struggles they found once they’d arrived. — Marika

Other Comprehensive Lists of recommendations:

NY Times Anti-Racism Reading List

Anti-Racist Reading List

Teaching Resources

Resources with Curriculum and Lesson Plans

Teaching Tolerance — This non-profit collects hundreds of lessons and units designed to help children of all age groups confront systemic racism. As a former social studies teacher, I’m impressed with both the breadth and depth of the resources they have to offer. I recommend looking at their “Learning Plans” section first, finding a unit that you like, and adapting it for your classroom. — Robbie

Teaching for Change — This DC based organization has a number of lessons around books and articles that “encourages teachers and students to question and re-think the world inside and outside their classrooms.” They have resources for Elementary and Secondary classrooms as well as some book lists. The Civil Rights Teaching and Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action look to have the most relevant lesson plans and resources to use with your students. — Scott

Teacher’s Democracy Project: Black Lives Matter — Last winter, TDP developed a Black Lives Matter curriculum. They’re based out of Baltimore and used Cc to put it together, so we’re a bit biased, but they have a number of well-resourced units for all levels. Check these out if you’re looking for a series of lessons to help teach BLM in your classroom. — Scott

Articles, podcasts, & compiled lists of other teaching resources

USC Rossier School of Education has compiled a solid list of resources and articles to help bring the conversation into the classroom. There is something for every teacher on this list. — Marika

NPR in collaboration with Sesame Workshop explain how to talk to young children about race in this short 20 minute podcast. Not only does it address discussing race when your children bring it up, but also how to bring it up before they do to frame it positively. — Marika

Raising White Children — In this podcast, Author Jennifer Harvey “offers age-appropriate insights for teaching children how to address racism when they encounter it and tackles tough questions about how to help white kids be mindful of racial relations while understanding their own identity and the role they can play for justice.” I just listened to this recently and found Harvey’s suggestions very approachable. — Marika

National Association for the Education of Young Children — An organization connecting early childhood teaching practices, policy, and research. This article addresses bringing the conversation about race and racism into a kindergarten classroom and conversations that extend to student families as well. — Marika

Interested in intersectionality? Here’s an article addressing how toxic white-centered feminism can harm black activists and social justice movements. — Marika

Resources for your school & district

Positive School Center The center provides training, coaching, and technical assistance rooted in five elements of racial justice and equity; trauma responsive strategies; social and emotional learning; student and community voice; and restorative practices. If you’re a school or district leader, contact them to learn more. While the training and coaching isn’t free, a good portion of their schools pay for it entirely through grants. I should note that my wife works here, so I’ve gotten to hear of their work and success and tend to be a bit biased.