The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) just gutted its Learning for Justice (LFJ) project with no notice to the hundreds of thousands of educators across the United States and beyond who turn to the project for resources, professional development, and a supportive community. 

SPLC says the unilateral decision, made without input from staff, is part of a large reorganization that will enable them to focus on the needs of communities in the South.  

They don't seem to appreciate that educators everywhere need the guidance and resources -- including professional development -- that LFJ provides.  

They don't seem to appreciate that LFJ is needed now more than ever, as public education is under attack, teachers face limits on what they can teach, and our nation's resolve to meet the needs of our diverse students weakens.  

They don't seem to appreciate that supporting inclusive, honest public education is essential to preserve and nurture a diverse democracy. 

The half-million educators LFJ reaches across its channels -- including those who subscribe to its email newsletter or magazine, depend on it for professional development, or follow it on social media -- have no idea about the lay-offs or plans.  Partners have not been contacted. 

This lack of transparency and inclusive decision-making is beyond disappointing. It shows a profound lack of respect for the educators, caregivers, and children who have benefitted from the program and make up the LFJ community.  

It's unthinkable that when school resumes in late summer this year, educators will return to classrooms no longer be able to rely on LFJ as a lifeline.  

CEO Margaret Huang and the SPLC board need to know how important LFJ is to educators everywhere.  They need to reconsider the decision to abandon educators who don't work in the five states of the Deep South.  At the very least, the leadership should be forthcoming about how it plans to nurture and sustain the LFJ community.