Social Justice
MEA is committed to social justice for Michigan students, school employees and the public at large. Education can be a powerful force for change and MEA members, as educators, can foster that change in our communities and our schools.
As MEA’s platform states, “Every person, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or physical, mental or emotional disability, has the right to equal opportunity for education and employment and equal rights of citizenship as established in the nation and state by the constitutions, statutes and judicial decisions.”
Social Justice News
Guidance for MEA members concerning student protests on immigration
Recent student protests in Michigan regarding ICE activities have prompted requests for guidance for educators concerning their rights to support student activism. NEA has developed some excellent resources and reminders for educators addressing their employment rights and concerns, including how to handle student protests and walkouts. Below is a summary of the issues educators should understand and consider: 1) Educators…
Protect students from trauma driven by immigration fears
By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President Uncertainty and fear. In recent conversations with educators across Michigan, I keep hearing those words that lead to a common refrain: “I’m trying to keep it together for my students.” What’s happening with immigration enforcement in Michigan and across the country is causing trauma for many of our students and communities – and…
Testimony supports bill to bar immigration enforcement in schools
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Educator Chloe Root On the final exam in government class each semester, MEA member and social studies teacher Chloe Root asks students to explain how the federal system of checks and balances works to prevent abuses of power. This year some of her students at Community High School in Ann Arbor chose instead to…
Supporting students amidst immigration fear and uncertainty
UPDATED 1/29: As educators, MEA members are committed to the safety and wellbeing of students, families and the communities we all call home. We believe schools and communities should be places of learning and belonging, and they should be safe for all. Whether it’s in Minnesota or here in Michigan, the fear and trauma immigration enforcement is creating for children…
Hard history teaches if we listen
By Richard Mui, history teacher Plymouth-Canton Education Association Richard Mui teaches AP U.S. History;AAPI History, Issues and Culture; andCivics at Canton High School. We often hear the word “unprecedented” to describe the current civic and political landscape of the United States, but we have seen parts of this story before. I teach Advanced Placement U.S. History at Canton High School,…
Growing Libraries with Representation
AEM President Aryana Jharia poses with student winners of the contest, who each received a gift card and book. The Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) wrapped up their latest reading/writing competition with an awards ceremony for students who were asked to analyze which voices were missing from their school’s book collections. The “Growing Libraries with Representation” project, funded by a…
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion: Kaitie Paynich
Kaitie Paynich Spanish teacher Kaitie Paynich has helped students at Portage Northern High School feel safe and nurtured through her efforts to strengthen the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club and create a gender-affirming closet and free store open to all. Paynich was chosen to lead the program when it re-started in 2016. “It was super-heartwarming to see our students advocate…
The Evolution of Student Voice
By Jessyca Mathews Carman-Ainsworth High School This fall Carman-Ainsworth High School became first in Genesee County to offer the new AP African American Studies class which was piloted nationally over the past two years. “Ms. Mathews, why don't we have Black History courses here?” I've heard this question often over two decades of teaching. In fact I asked the same…
Jessyca Mathews: Opening doors for others
".. I want to open doors for others to have the chance to lead and be role models for all of our students."– Jessyca Mathews, teacher at Carman-Ainsworth High School in Flint and president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English. MEA member Jessyca Mathews teaches her students to find their passions and bring individual strengths to bear in…
Attend Virtual Social Justice Conference on April 27
Register now for MEA’s inaugural Social Justice Conference, happening virtually on Saturday, April 27. Learn more about the schedule, which includes sessions, breakouts and roundtable conversations to help improve your understand of social justice issues and how they intersect with our work in public education.