Education in the News: Talking about LGBTQ+ Identity in Schools with Derek Keith

Debates over education—what is included and what is excluded—seem more heated these days. New legislative measures across the country seek to regulate curriculum and discussion about LGBTQ+ identity in schools. Lawmakers along with parents and community members are also asserting more control over books children read in the classroom, including literature on LGBTQ+ experiences. Should they have sway in what is taught in schools? Do these laws and book bannings protect children, or are they harmful? What effects are these measures having on LGBTQ+ youth and families? How do we give parents and community members autonomy and honor the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth? Join us for a meaningful discussion about how LGBTQ+ identity gets expressed in schools.

This program is cohosted by Phoenix Public Libraries – Mesquite Library. This is an in-person event.

Derek Keith has spent the better part of his decade as a professional educator weaving diversity and social justice education into his every day curriculum and life. He started his career as an Activities Director in Southern California. It was here he was introduced to the California Conference for Equity and Justice and he found a passion for Social Justice education. He went on to develop a Social Justice literature course for a high school in the San Francisco area. In this position he worked with high school seniors to develop the ability to be critical thinkers who can make change. Currently, he works at ASU as a Coordinator for their Writing Centers and heads the departments Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He has been a presenter at ASU’s Diversity and Inclusion 2021 conference.