Photo by Rosalind Chang
In modern academia, conversations around social justice in modern education have long spilled beyond progressive clubs in universities or specialized lectures. They’re becoming central to how the public thinks about learning itself.
This shift is reflected in works like Just a thought about Social Justice by Penny M. Closser, a book about social justice that draws attention to real, lived disparities in our education system. With so many in society demanding change, so many schools are struggling to comply. It’s time we rethink what equity really means—not just as a goal, but as an educational practice.
Where Inequity Begins: Understanding the Roots
To address social justice in modern education, we have to begin with a hard look at how schools are funded, who teaches where, and what kind of curriculum students are given.
In many parts of the country, the proverbial zip codes still determine the quality of education. Schools in affluent suburban areas often enjoy updated textbooks, smaller class sizes, and stronger support systems. Meanwhile, schools in under-resourced urban zones, rural areas, as well as places with colored minorities, struggle with outdated materials and overworked staff.
This isn’t just a funding issue—it’s a reflection of deeper systemic inequality.
It’s not uncommon to see two schools just miles apart with vastly different opportunities. One could be offering robotics clubs and AP classes; the other is focused on meeting the bare minimum for state requirements.
These gaps aren’t just unfair and atrocious. They have been the fuel for massive protests and constant public outcry in America. These systemic problems are what really reinforce narratives about the cycles of poverty. They are not ‘convenient excuses’ but real, visible roadblocks that limit upward mobility.
The real tragedy, though, is that they deny children their full potential.
That’s why educational equity today must go beyond equal access. We must consider what kind of support each student truly needs to thrive. That means giving more where there’s been less, not just treating every school the same.
Building Equity into the Classroom Experience
It’s not just about funding and facilities. The people in charge of the classrooms are also a major factor.
Obviously, teachers play a vital role in promoting social justice in modern education by shaping the culture of their classrooms. This goes not just for the books they assign, but also for the way they respond to different learning needs. Meanwhile, other actors in the education sector have to be aware of whether they are supporting teachers in tackling inequities. (Because at the very least, they can take out their roadblocks.)
Only then can the rest of society better see what equity looks like in real classroom terms. It means creating a space for every student’s story. It means acknowledging cultural differences, offering varied learning formats, and ensuring that all voices are heard.
Schools that claim to implement inclusive education models shouldn’t just serve the average student, but even the ones who often get left behind. It is no coincidence that many calls for justice come from students of color, students with disabilities, and others from low-income backgrounds.
Equity-focused teaching also demands the examination of biases. Are we holding certain students to lower expectations based on assumptions? Are disciplinary actions being applied unevenly? These are uncomfortable questions (especially for those who think these should’ve been answered a long time ago).
Sadly, the reality is that they have remained necessary because today’s educational environment continues to be rife with unfairness.
Teachers need to be empowered on the ground when it comes to addressing this issue. There have been districts that have offered workshops on social justice education strategies, helping educators develop tools to recognize injustice and take meaningful steps toward correcting it. While many are saying that such initiatives are about to get gutted, the fight is not over.
The Future of Learning Must Prioritize Justice
The role of education has already undergone a massive change within just the last 15 years. It’s no longer just about preparing students for the workforce—it’s about preparing them to live in a diverse, interconnected world. That’s why social justice in modern education has been increasingly woven into the fabric of learning, not treated as an optional lesson (let alone a tool in some grand conspiracy alongside weather-manipulating space lasers).
More young people are speaking out against the injustices they see around them, and schools should be right by their side, addressing education equity challenges. It’s bad enough that many refuse to update the curriculum to reflect current social justice issues in education (whether it’s topics like systemic racism or climate justice).
American society cannot afford to deny students the tools they need to think critically, engage with complex problems, and advocate for themselves and others.
Otherwise, there will only be more outraged families and communities pushing schools to be more transparent, more inclusive, and more equitable. Expect their parenting circles to push diverse reading lists. Meanwhile, you’ll likely hear more parishes and churches encouraging open dialogue (just as much as the opposite).
All the while, the schools themselves will be caught in the culture war crossfire, all because they let equity fall short.
This sounds like a really messy outcome, but that’s what happens when change is denied for such extended periods. It is the cost of doing nothing while systemic injustice prevails inch by inch. If we’re not rethinking educational equity now, we risk deepening the very divides that are already putting the nation in mortal jeopardy.
And contrary to the usual naysayers, social justice in modern education has never been about politics.
The politics were only brought in because so much wrong has been going on for a very long time.
Remember, every child, no matter where they live or who they are, deserves a genuine chance to succeed. That means listening more, adjusting often, and never assuming we’ve done enough.
We need school policies that address both structural and intercultural dynamics. Funding priorities that are egregiously one-sided need to be rechecked. Curriculum reviews should become more frequent, rather than halted. And perhaps most importantly, we need to listen to students. They are the ones living this reality every day (and will keep living more of it in their future).
Because that is the real end-goal of social justice in modern education: human dignity and a future that enables it. This movement doesn’t belong to a single party, religion, or philosophy. It is the goal of anyone who believes that kids deserve more than what many are currently given.
Every teacher, parent, policymaker, and citizen has a part to play. Recognizing that not every child starts from the same place is only the start. Fairness means giving each what they need—not just the same thing. That’s the heart of social justice in modern education, and it’s where real progress begins.
If you’re looking for a bigger deep dive into the issues of equity in schools, don’t forget to check out Just a thought about Social Justice for research on stagnant curricula, as well as the major discrepancies that remain unaddressed today. Copies of the book are available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
