ABOUT US
We are working to influence the city and state education budget, as well as policy decisions regarding schooling.
New Yorkers for Racially Just Public Schools (RJPS) is a citywide education justice coalition aimed at centering racial equity in policy and budget decisions for public education. Led by parents, students, educators, and advocates, we are working to influence the city and state education budget as well as policy decisions regarding schooling. We are paying particular attention to the education narrative and policy agenda for the 2021 Mayoral and City Council elections. The survival, resilience, and transformation of the school system in the midst of our current multiple pandemics will require ongoing visioning, public engagement, organizing and advocacy on a large scale. We are committed to making this possible.
MISSION
Our Why
New Yorkers for Racially Just Public Schools (RJPS) will engage in citywide visioning, engagement, organizing, and advocacy that is beyond the scope of any single organization alone. The goals of the coalition are to:
Build the collective power to advance racial equity in education, both now and under the next city administration
Shape the dominant public narrative about racial equity in NYC public schools
Influence candidates and elected officials to embrace and enact our policy platform for racial equity in education
OUR PLATFORM
We call on elected officials and candidates to publicly endorse this platform for racial justice in education and commit to enacting the policies and practices that will bring it to fruition.
SUPPORTIVE SCHOOLS
Dismantle policies and practices that criminalize and dehumanize youth, and fully fund building nurturing and supportive school communities.
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SCHOOLS
INTEGRATED SCHOOLS
Eliminate racist admission policies that facilitate segregation from all DOE schools. Enact policies using the 5 R’s of Real Integration framework and the School Diversity Advisory Group (SDAG) that will facilitate equitable admissions policies at all DOE schools.
FULLY & EQUITABLY FUNDED SCHOOLS
Close the resource gap and provide all students with the small classes, enrichment, hands-on education, and care that all children deserve.
inclusive SCHOOLS
Center all policy decisions and investments on student populations that are systematically excluded and under-resourced, especially English Language Learners, students with disabilities, students in temporary housing and students in foster care.
ENGAGED SCHOOLS
Engage youth and parents as key partners in decision-making at all levels, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized families.
TRULY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Halt the expansion of charter schools and the sharing of student data with private companies.
Join the coalition
