“If we work together, we can defend ourselves, and we can protect the kids. A community’s first responsibility is to protect its children-the ones we have now and the ones we will have.”

-Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower

“What we cannot imagine, cannot come into being.” - bell hooks

The Columbus Education Justice Coalition is a collective of parents, students, educators, labor union members, and community partners who believe that access to a fair, just, well-rounded public education for all students, families, and staff in Columbus City Schools is a civil and human right.

We work to end inequities, oppose privatization, and build strong, community-based public schools where all students can thrive.

authentic RELATIONSHIPS

  • The build-up of trusting, ongoing partnerships between Columbus City Schools and the community.

  • The meaningful, not shallow, inclusion of those most impacted (students, families, educators) in shaping policy and practice.

  • Responsive and transparent communication from decision-makers with families, educators, and community members.

substantial REINVESTMENT

  • Equitable and fair school funding that channels funds, attention, programmatic innovation, and infrastructure into neighborhood schools and communities that have been marginalized.

  • Reimagining and planning for schools as the hub of their neighborhoods, with shared decision-making, wrap-around services, and community-connected planning and learning.

We need more services that come along with school like there were during covid.
Schools should be natural hubs of their communities.
— CCS Parent, 2023 "Our City. Our Schools." Listening Session

transformative RECONSTRUCTION

  • Transforming the educational ecosystem of top-down decision making by rebuilding a structure that ensures student, family, community, and staff engagement as shared decision-makers.

  • Policy and governance changes that address the root causes of inequity in Columbus City Schools.

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
colsedjustice@gmail.com

Media Inquiries:

Izetta Thomas, Lead Organizer

thomasi@ceaohio.org