Massachusetts

More than a hundred people attended the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance’s (MEJA) first statewide convening in late June. Held in central Massachusetts, organizers and representatives from community, parent, youth, and educator groups from across the commonwealth gathered for a day of strategizing, network-building and inspiration to help build a stronger network to fight for public education.

In many ways 2017 seemed like a never-ending stream of bad news and attacks on public education. However, advocates kept up the good fight and the movement for education justice saw growth and increased capacity. Thanks to our grantee partners and allies working tirelessly in communities across the country, we’d like to share some good news!

Thursday, October 26, 2017
5:45 – 8:30 PM

First Parish Unitarian Universalist
3 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA

Hair is an integral part of black cultural expression, but it has little to do with educational development, says John H. Jackson, president and CEO of the Schott Foundation. His response, highlighted in recent media reports, was a sharp dressing-down of a charter school in Malden, Mass., that disciplined African American girls who wore braided hair extensions to school.

The results of the 2016 presidential election will lead to seismic shifts in the policy landscape. What are the most strategic opportunities for systemic change? What are the battles confronting racial justice leaders in ensuring that all children, regardless of race or zip code, have an equitable opportunity to learn?

Thanks to all who attended our 25th Anniversary panel discussion last night!

The sold-out event, hosted at the Boston Public Library and co-sponsored by our philanthropic partners at Nellie Mae Foundation and the Hyams Foundation, touched on a wide range of topics. Public education, racism, the election, and social movement strategy were all discussed among our panelists and the audience.

Stay tuned for a larger recap and video highlights!

In honor of #GivingTuesday on November 29th, the Schott Foundation has reached out to some of our grantee partners to get the low-down on what they do, who they’re doing it for, and the challenges that they handle like rockstars every day.

The Schott Foundation began partnering with BAGLY in 2014 to support their work around school climate and the LGBTQ youth experience in Massachusetts.