Dear RJEM Community,

In light of the current political moment, we—the members of the RJEM Local Planning Committee—would like to affirm our commitment to racial justice and antiracist teaching, learning, and researching in early mathematics education.

It is disheartening to witness blatant attacks on efforts that protect the right to education and humanity of Black, Latine, Indigenous, Pan-Asian, Pacific Islander, (im)migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and other children from systemically disenfranchised communities. However, history tells us that such attacks are not new, and that fights for justice and liberation have been part of this country since the European colonization. We draw on the courage, determination and wisdom of our ancestors to stay committed to the creation of a just society.

At RJEM, we will continue to work alongside those who are committed to creating early mathematics educational systems that disrupt white supremacy, antiblackness, xenophobia, patriarchy, imperialism, and other forms of injustice. Together, we will uphold the main goals of our Call to Action, including naming the ways that early childhood environments are subject to racial oppression and developing resources and practices that protect the humanity of children of the global majority and their right to thrive.

In the next two years, we will engage in new activities to support parents, educators, school administrators, researchers, funders, and policy makers to center racial justice in their practice. You will be informed about these opportunities as they emerge. In the meantime, take advantage of the resources already available on our website. The topics discussed in the RJEM 2024 Webinar Series are particularly pertinent and enlightening. You can watch the recordings here.

As we move forward in our mission, we remind you to take good care of yourselves, your loved ones, and communities. Know that we are grateful to share this journey with you.

In solidarity,

The RJEM Local Planning Committee