The reactionary backlash against racial justice and LGBTQ movements over the past few years has once again put public schools center stage. Where did this backlash originate, and why is so much of it focused on “Critical Race Theory”?

This new documentary short from A More Perfect Union reveals the current far-right agitation is just the latest in a long-term push for the total privatization of public schools. While the slogans may be new, the goal remains the same.

But there’s hope.

In states across the country, communities are uniting against these reactionary, divisive attacks and winning. At the forefront is H.E.A.L. (Honest Education Action & Leadership) Together, a new initiative spearheaded by Race Forward with coalition partners including the NYU Metro Center, Schott Foundation, Alliance for Quality Education, and Center for Popular Democracy. H.E.A.L. Together is building a movement of students, educators, and parents in school districts across the United States who believe that an honest, accurate and fully funded public education is the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy.

There are lots of ways to get involved: for starters, tune into their next public training to learn how you can organize to defend and strengthen our public schools and communities. And for funders, learn about how you can direct resources to grassroots groups who are already doing this important work.