School-Based Initiatives Toolkit

Make classrooms reflect America's full history

In a time period in which we are experiencing a tremendous rise in book bans targeting POC and LGBTQ+ narratives in Southern school classrooms, student advocates consistently share that the stories often taught in schools erase or ignore marginalized voices. An inclusive curriculum campaign demands that your school or district incorporate more racially, culturally, and socially representative content, especially in English, history, and social studies classes.

1. Conduct a Curriculum Audit
   Survey students about the books, authors, and topics currently taught. Compare this with the demographics of your school. Identify gaps in racial, ethnic, and gender representation.
    
2. Research Inclusive Materials
   Partner with teachers or librarians to develop a list of recommended books, lesson plans, and primary sources that center marginalized voices (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and disabled perspectives).
    
3. Meet with Faculty and Administration
    
   • Present your findings and recommendations
      
   • Share data and personal stories from the audit
      
   • Emphasize student engagement and academic relevance
      

         4.  Submit a Formal Proposal

             Include the following:
 

• Summary of current gaps
   
• Sample texts or unit plans
   
• Timeline for phased implementation
   
• Suggestions for professional development
   

          5. Build Public Support
 

• Collect student and parent testimonials
   
• Start a petition or host a teach-in
   
• Present at a school board meeting

 Fix school policies that harm students of color, LGBTQ+ youth, or underserved communities.

Many school policies—discipline codes, dress rules, attendance practices—disproportionately punish or exclude marginalized students. Student-led policy reform can address racial bias, push for restorative justice, or demand fairer grading, dress, or ID policies.

• Discipline reform: Replace out-of-school suspensions with restorative practices
   
• Dress code: Eliminate gendered and racially coded restrictions
   
• Bathroom access: Ensure transgender and nonbinary students have safe options
   
• Grading equity: Advocate for reconsideration policies or bias training for teachers
   

1. Survey and Story-Gathering
   Collect anonymous testimonials from students affected by the policy. Quantify harm if possible (e.g., how many students suspended by race/gender).
    
2. Policy Analysis
   Compare your school’s policies to model examples (e.g., ACLU school discipline guidelines). Highlight violations of equity or student rights.
    
3. Build a Coalition
   Partner with affinity groups, faculty allies, and parent councils. Unity creates legitimacy and power.
    
4. Meet with Decision-Makers
   Be solution-oriented. Present your alternative policy or revisions, and bring supporting student voices.
    
5. Apply Pressure
   If meetings stall, escalate with media outreach, petitions, or peaceful demonstrations. Document everything.

School culture matters. Even when rules are fair, daily experiences of bias, exclusion, or invisibility can harm students’ sense of belonging. These initiatives focus on shifting narratives, relationships, and representation to create a truly inclusive environment.

• Equity Week
  Host themed days focused on identity, justice, and student voice. Include workshops, panels, art shows, or open mics.
   
• Student Belonging Surveys
  Gather honest feedback from students across race, gender, and ability to assess safety, respect, and inclusion.
   
• Affirming Visual Culture
  Work with teachers to update hallway displays, classroom libraries, or posters with inclusive materials.
   
• Anti-Bias Trainings
  Propose and help plan workshops for staff on microaggressions, trauma-informed teaching, and implicit bias.
   

• Start with a strong organizing team
   
• Be consistent. Cultural change takes time and persistence
   
• Celebrate wins, even small ones, to keep momentum

 Build healing and power among peers who share your experiences.

Affinity spaces allow students of shared identity (e.g., Black students, LGBTQ+ students, immigrant students) to gather, decompress, and build community. These spaces are not just social—they’re foundations for mutual support and organizing.

1. Define the Purpose
   Clearly state whether the group is for social support, civic action, or cultural education. Identify your primary needs (healing, advocacy, or both?).
    
2. Request Space and Protection
   Work with a trusted teacher to secure a private, regular meeting space. Ensure school policy supports affinity groups as safe and confidential.
    
3. Plan Programming
    
   • Support Circles
      
   • Guest speakers or alumni
      
   • Advocacy projects or school campaigns
      

1. Communicate Boundaries
   Clarify who the space is for and how it will remain respectful, safe, and peer-led.
    
2. Link to Broader Goals
    
   • Connect with cultural celebrations (e.g., Black History Month, Pride)
      
   • Offer feedback to administration on policy impacts
      
   • Collaborate across identities on shared goals

To create lasting change, you need mechanisms that track progress and provide space for student input. These help ensure student voice isn’t performative, but central to school decision-making

• Student Equity Advisory Board
  Formalize a council that meets with administration monthly to review policies, raise issues, and propose solutions
   
• Annual Equity Report
  Work with administrators or student researchers to publish a yearly equity report, including discipline data, hiring stats, and curriculum review
   
• Feedback Forms or Town Halls
  Create anonymous feedback forms for student issues. Host town halls where students can speak directly to school leadership
   
• Student Ombudsperson Role
  Propose a student rep position to sit in on school board meetings, hiring panels, or principal interviews