Teach-In for Social Justice
Guided by the spirit and legacy of the distinguished orator and statesman, Frederick Douglass, our Institute seeks to support learning and advocacy opportunities for students, faculty, and community members that strengthen the preparation of students to address issues of racism and social/racial inequality.
Ali Britt: KU Elementary Education senior and social media coordinator for the Fort Davis National Park Grant Experience
In February 2019, we facilitated a social justice teach-in at Fort Davis National Park in partnership with the Fort Worth JROTC and the University of Texas. Ali learned about the Buffalo Soldier, the junior ranger program, and the significance of Texas frontier forts.
Mount Rushmore National Park
The University of Wisconsin La Crosse, the Omaha-area JROTC, and KU FDI studied the roles of military women in the Cold War. This experience also included traveling to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Ellis Air Force Base, the Air and Space Museum, Mt. Rushmore, and Badlands National Park.
Laura Gale, KU Anthropology major, interns at Canyon De Chelley National Park
KU FDI partnered with Canyon De Chelly National Park, Aztec High School JROTC, and Diné College. The experience focused on the 150th anniversary of the Long Walk where thousands of Navajo were forced to walk 300 miles by the U.S. government.
JROTC Cadets at Manzanar National Park
May 2019: KU FDI created a social justice teach-in at Manzanar and Cesar Chavez National Historic Sites. We partnered with Cal Poly Pomona (CA) and Glendale (AZ) JROTC Navy Cadets. The highlight of the weekend was speaking with a survivor of the Manzanar internment camp and experiencing the beauty of Eastern Sierra Nevada and the Tehatchapi Mountains.
KU student, Genaro Robles, interning at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in South Dakota
Genaro Robles taught lessons to JROTC students in South Dakota. This experience not only helped Genaro practice teaching, but it was also a historical learning experience for all!
Kutztown University Students at the Gettysburg National Military Park
In 2016-2017, secondary education students traveled to Gettysburg National Military Park to present lessons about Latino soldiers participating in the Civil War. They were joined by Fort Worth High School JROTC cadets and explored strategy, the terrain, and the economic and social consequences of the battle.