fighting for what matters
a call to action in troubling times
This week I was going to write about my wedding vision board. But with everything happening in the world right now, it feels trivial. It almost feels... silly. Like it’s too small.
Lately, it’s been hard to feel hopeful about education. Walking through my school and seeing DEI initiatives taken down feels like watching progress unravel in real time. These weren’t just posters or empty slogans—they were signals to students that they belonged, that their identities mattered, that school was a place meant for them. Now, their absence speaks just as loudly, sending a message that inclusion is conditional, something that can be erased when it becomes inconvenient.
But it’s not just the big, systemic failures that make this so disheartening. On a smaller scale, I see students being failed in ways that feel just as damaging. Teachers refusing to differentiate instruction, getting caught up in power struggles instead of just teaching, not reading to students, not making learning accessible. The very basics of what education should be—meeting students where they are, supporting them, actually helping them learn—are being neglected. And when both the large-scale policies and the day-to-day realities are failing students, how do we keep believing in this system at all?
And then there’s the even bigger picture—the government’s role in all of this. I try not to get too political in anything that I do, but I can no longer stand by. During Trump’s presidency, his administration repeatedly proposed major cuts to the Department of Education, targeting programs that supported low-income students, students with disabilities, and diversity initiatives.
Attacking my students. My people.
While Congress blocked many of those cuts, the intent was clear: education wasn’t a priority. Now, that same disregard for students continues, with politicians pushing for book bans, curriculum restrictions, and the erasure of DEI under the guise of “protecting” children. But protecting who? It certainly isn’t the marginalized students who rely on these resources to feel safe and supported.
Defunding education and stripping schools of inclusive practices don’t create better outcomes—they just make education less accessible and less equitable.
I don’t have an easy answer. What I do know is that students still show up. They still need support, still deserve to feel seen and heard. So even when the system feels broken, even when it feels like we’re moving backward instead of forward, I keep showing up for them. Because they deserve better. And if the people in power won’t fight for that, then I will.
The world is moving backward in education and social justice. Taking action right now is essential. Especially when your blood is boiling and there are angry tears in your eyes (speaking from experience here). Here are some ways you can take action yourself, as well as steps you can recommend to others who feel similarly:
Actions to we can take:
Speak Up
Encourage those around you to use their voice in spaces where decisions are made. Call people out on their bullshit. Let them know how embarassed you are for them if they proudly declare they voted for this. Advocate and stand up for those who are most impacted, particularly those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Stay Informed and Educated
How? By…
Reading Books and Articles
Some book recommendations include:
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander (on mass incarceration)
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (on race and racism)
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (on the history of racism in America)
Articles and Blogs: Follow reputable websites, online publications, and blogs focusing on social justice, education, policy, and current events. Sites like The Root, The Atlantic, Education Week, or Vox often publish insightful commentary.
Listening to Podcasts
Recommendations…
Code Switch (on race and culture)
Pod Save America (on politics and social justice)
The Intersection (focuses on the intersection of social justice, activism, and mental health)
Take Online Courses: Many free or affordable courses can deepen your knowledge on various topics. Sites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses on:
Social Justice and Diversity: Learn about systemic inequality, privilege, and how to be an ally.
History and Policy: Courses on race relations, history of marginalized groups, and political movements.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: Educate yourself about self-care and how mental health intersects with social justice.
Create Safe Spaces
There’s a sign on my office door that says “This is a safe place to be yourself.” This is a motto that I stand by. I let every one of my students know that they are safe and valued when they are with me, by listening, being open to communication, and creating an environment where they are comfortable expressing themselves.
Sometimes, my students say the most random, out of nowhere shit. And (when it’s appropriate), I roll with it. Or use it as a learning moment. Or gently let them know I might disagree with their opinion, but I’m more than willing to hear them out on their through processes. Because it’s NOT my job to change or fix them. It is my job to help them be prepared for the real world out ther.
Self-Care and Burnout Prevention
This is the part that can be easy to overlook because, in some ways, it feels selfish. But in order to sustain the fight, we have to take care of ourselves. When the work feels overwhelming, finding time for rest and rejuvenation is necessary to continue pushing for change.
Because that’s what they want. They want us to be too tired. They want us to be overwhelmed and confused. They want it to be difficult. So when we have the privilege to rest, we need to take it.
I tried not to word vomit and make this post overwhelming. Though if you are overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Do what you can. And remind yourself, even in the face of all this, we have power. We can take action, no matter how small it might feel.
Until next time,
Wonderful piece, Rose!! Also working in public schools, I have all of your same fears/concerns for my, and all, students.
Thanks for sharing this post and these resources!!!