Inclusion must include everyone

In the summer of 2020, The Nora Project issued an Antiracism Pledge and Position Statement, noting our responsibility to communities of color as an organization committed to dismantling oppressive, dehumanizing cultural narratives through education and the power of childhood friendships. Given the introduction and likely passage of the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” laws in a growing number of states, we want to issue a Statement of Solidarity to all LGBTQIA+ identifying youth, educators, and people, and a pledge to support and amplify those at the forefront of opposing these cruel and discriminatory laws. We also want to cast the net more broadly, standing in solidarity with all marginalized people, as we realize a wave of hate-driven legislation and conduct impacts a broad array of vulnerable populations.

Statement of Solidarity  

It is therefore the statement of The Nora Project that there is no right or wrong, better or worse way to be a person or to express one’s identity. All children and educators have the inherent human right to show up at school as their authentic selves, to see themselves reflected in curriculum and the school environment, and to receive an education that allows them to cultivate a strong sense of identity-pride and belonging. 

Pledge 

The Nora Project pledges as follows:

• The Nora Project will not partner with schools that cannot join us in this Statement of Solidarity.

• The Nora Project will actively seek collaborations with individuals and organizations fighting for the rights of all students to learn and thrive.

• The Nora Project will continuously work to add diversity to our board, staff, and third-party business relationships.

• The Nora Project will use our modest platform to amplify marginalized activist voices generally, and multiply-marginalized disabled activist voices in particular.