Public Justice’s Students’ Civil Rights Project uses litigation and advocacy to combat harassment and other forms of discrimination so that all students can learn and thrive in school. Our unique strategy for effecting lasting, systemic change pairs innovative legal advocacy with outreach, education, and mobilization efforts that empower young people to be catalysts for critical reforms.
Our work is rooted in, and steered by, our commitment to educational access, legal accountability, and youth empowerment.
Every student must be able to access education in a learning environment that is free from discrimination, including harassment and violence. No student should lose out on the chance to learn because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other part of who they are. And no student should fear going to school because they are the target of discrimination, bullying, or other abuse.
There must be accountability for schools and leaders who fail to create the safe learning environment required under the law. All schools have a legal obligation to provide an equal opportunity for all students to learn. When schools fail to do so, we take them to court to ensure long-lasting change.
As advocates for equitable schools, we work to empower young people – including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and student survivors of sexual harassment – to organize, advocate and stand for change in their K-12 schools, colleges, and universities.
