Social justice

We, a group of Anne Arundel County Public Schools high school students, confront James Braswell’s commentary on Unity Day (The Capital, March 9).

Social justice is often perceived as liberal indoctrination; a means of rallying those around us into one mindset. However, this is far from the truth.

Social justice is the pursuit of equality for all people.

It is the notion that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights.

It is the defense of these rights, regardless of social class, race, ethnicity, and other inherent characteristics. Social justice is the movement of the future, so at what point should the future generation learn about it?

Braswell argues that social justice has no place in education; that it is “poisoning our public schools” by emphasizing “fairness” and “equity.” What exactly is so harmful about equity?

Braswell claims that equity strives to eliminate difference, to erase the value of work ethic. What he does not understand is that equity is not equalizing outcomes, equity is equalizing opportunity.

Individualism is what makes America great. But while hard work is spread across this nation, opportunity is not. So, to deserve the title “Land of Opportunity,” we must first preserve the “Land of Equity.”

Anne Arundel county schools’ Unity Day is indeed much more than wearing orange. It is the regional effort to make education more inclusive. It is the fight against bullying and intolerance. Teaching our children about equity is teaching them about empathy. How to appreciate others and build a kinder nation.

We understand, unlike Braswell, that the education of today’s youth is the security of tomorrow’s future.

Arusa Malik, Gambrills

Editor’s note: Arusa Malik is an 11th-grade student at South River High. She co-wrote this letter with fellow students John Cardwell, Jaden Farris, Kya Hector, Rachel Mohammed, Malaika Obuobi, Bunmi Omisore and Mickala Stratton.

The moment I realized we were in deep trouble with the pandemic and our lives were about to dramatically change was when I thought about those who were still traveling and speaking as if nothing were happening; the days of “it’s no big deal.”

I knew of multiple people going about their lives with quintessential American arrogance; their exceptionalism was impervious to viral contagion. That’s when I knew.

And over the course of the year, I have lost any interest in surrounding myself with that mindset and gained understanding, tactics, and strategies to limit my time and energy around such toxicity.

I am part of a small minority that has thrived in the last year — mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially — and it’s a strange place to be.

I have lost weight and anger, gained health and confidence, and found joy in the slower pace and increased physical space.

As I await my second vaccine dose and the “return of normal” looms, I now think about how I can continue to live in peace as crowds and social obligations become the norm again. My hope is there will be understanding toward the few of us who have managed well in the calm of distance.

Traci Moxon, Annapolis