We are a coalition of educators, standing together in support of NAACP’s efforts to create a safer Missouri, including its travel advisory in the light of recent events in the city of St. Louis and the State of Missouri. We oppose the passage of SB43, a bill that NAACP says, “Will prevent individuals from protecting themselves against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.”
At the same time, we belong to an organization, the National Council of Teachers of English, that will hold its November 2017 annual convention in St Louis. We will be attending NCTE, because we want to support local educators and the students they serve, and further advance the cause of anti-racist literacy education and high-quality literacy education for all.
In an effort to balance our conflicted commitments, we are pledging to raise our voices and/or contribute financially to assist NAACP in their efforts to create a better St. Louis and a better Missouri.
We are also aware that in our own home cities and towns, there have been far too many decisions recently that stand in the way of social justice. Speaking out against racism and violence in St. Louis reminds us to do the same within our own home states.
If you would like to add your name to the Literacy Teachers for a Safer St. Louis and stand together with us,
click here.
If you would like to contribute directly to NAACP,
click here to be linked to their donation page.
