Confronting Educational Censorship and Defending the Freedom to Learn

The Scholarly Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice
February 18-20, 2027 • In-Person
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Confronting Educational Censorship and Defending the Freedom to Learn The Scholarly Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ)

Event Dates: February 18-20, 2027
Location: American University's Campus in Washington, DC
Registration: Opens November 15 - Save the date!

This year's theme, "Confronting Educational Censorship and Defending the Freedom to Learn," will examine the growing challenges of censorship, book bans, curriculum restrictions, and other efforts that limit access to diverse ideas, histories, identities, and perspectives in education. We invite educators, researchers, practitioners, students, policymakers, and advocates to explore research, strategies, and practices that protect intellectual freedom, amplify historically marginalized voices, and ensure equitable access to knowledge. Together, participants will consider how schools, universities, communities, and organizations can challenge educational censorship and safeguard the freedom to teach, learn, inquire, and engage critically with the world.

A Call for Proposals

Do you have expertise in censorship and defending the freedom to learn? We invite you to view our Call for Proposals.

Call for Proposals

Selected
Overview
Schedule
Speakers
Committee
Book Series

What Is SIEEJ? Confronting Educational Censorship and Defending the Freedom to Learn

The annual Baker School of Education Scholarly Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ) convenes local and national educators and education advocates to highlight new practices and strategies for addressing the educational needs of Black, Brown, and indigenous students. The Institute aims to bring together educators, students, researchers, policymakers, art experts, and community leaders to explore innovative strategies, evidence-based solutions, and the importance of solidarity in creating safer schools.

Everyone is welcome to attend, especially:

  • PreK–12 educators, school and district leaders, school librarians and media specialists, higher education faculty and researchers, legislators and policymakers, education advocates, parents and families, students, school board members, legal and civil rights professionals, community-based organizations, and others committed to confronting educational censorship, protecting intellectual freedom, and defending the freedom to teach and learn.

Day 1: Thursday, February 18

TBD: Welcome Reception

Day 2: Friday, February 19

8:00–8:40 a.m.

Registration, Continental Breakfast, Chat and Chew Opening Comments

9:00–10:30 a.m.

Opening Concurrent Sessions (Session I)

  • Educational Leadership, Policy & Governance (Track 1)
  • Curriculum, Instruction & Teacher Education (Track 2)

10:30–11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Opening Keynote Address

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Lunch (on your own)

1:30–3:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (Session II)

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Disability & Human Rights (Track 3)
  • Libraries, Literacy & the Freedom to Read (Track 4)

3:00–3:30 p.m.

Networking Break

3:30–5:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (Session III)

  • Higher Education & Academic Freedom (Track 5)
  • Youth Voice, Community Engagement & Democratic Education (Track 6)

5:00–6:30 p.m.

Poster Session & Light Reception

6:30 p.m.

Dinner On Your Own

Day 3: Saturday, Februay 20

8:30–9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

9:00–10:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions (Session IV)

  • Historical & Contemporary Perspectives on Educational Censorship (Track 7)
  • Innovative Practices & Promising Solutions (Track 8)

10:30–11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (Session V) Research Presentations Panel Presentations

12:30–1:30 p.m.

Box Lunch

1:30–3:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions (Session VI) Interactive Workshops Research Presentations

3:00–3:30 p.m.

Break

3:30–5:00 p.m.

Featured Panel Discussion The Future of Academic Freedom and Educational Equity

5:00–5:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks & Conference Awards

5:30–7:00 p.m.

Closing Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy Keynote Address

7:00 p.m.

Reception with Heavy Hors’ Douvres

Please check back as speakers are announced.

Planning Committee

The 2027 SIEEJ Planning Committees works to coordinate the success of the Institute.

  • Dr. Jaquial L. Durham – General Support & Partnerships
  • Dr. Antonio L. Ellis – Conference Director & Associate Professor
  • Mark Forsberg – Conference Registration and Logistics
  • Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy - Ex officio Member and Founder 
  • Leslie A. Jones – Conference Speakers
  • Terence Mayo - Executive Assistant to the Director & Academic Community Liaison
  • Jason Pier – Marketing & Communication
  • Brittany Rockwell – Graphic Design
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  • Beyond the Spectrum: Navigating the Mental Health Landscape of LGBTQ+ Youths
    Beyond the Spectrum: Navigating the Mental Health Landscape of LGBTQ+ Youths delves into the multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ youths, unraveling the intricate interplay between mental health and identity within this diverse community. As societal attitudes shift, and acceptance grows, this book provides a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youths.
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    Ending Violence in PreK–16 Schools provides a comprehensive examination of the complex issues surrounding violence prevention and intervention in educational settings, focusing on promoting equity, justice, and safety for all students.

Are you a scholar or practitioner committed to examining educational censorship through research, policy, practice, and advocacy? We welcome proposals representing diverse theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, educational settings, and lived experiences.

Learn More

Registration opens November 15 - Save the date!

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Lead Sponsor

The Virginia Education Association

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Past SIEEJ Events

Use the below links to learn more about past SIEEJ events.