Free to Learn

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Free to Learn

In recent years, our nation has endured a disturbing series of hate-motivated attacks. Oak Creek, Pittsburgh, El Paso, Poway, Orlando, Charleston, Atlanta, Buffalo, and more. Each one of these incidents has left innocent people dead and communities shattered. The cumulative impact of these manifestations tears at the soul of our Nation.

When ordinary Americans cannot freely participate in the basic activities of everyday life — like going to school, shopping at the grocery store, or praying at their house of worship — without the fear of being targeted and killed for who they are, our democracy — and the very fabric of our society — is at risk.

Fact Sheet distributed at the United We Stand Summit outlined expectations for Federal agencies to respond to the President’s call. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has two primary tasks: 1) Support educational authorities and educational institutions to improve their ability to prevent hate-based threats and bullying and recover from hate-based violence and 2) Enhance overall school safety and climate.

About Free to Learn 

ED is carrying out its United We Stand commitments under the new initiative “Free to Learn.” Together with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), they are coordinating to support states and territories, school districts, tribal nations, and public health agencies to prevent, address, and ameliorate the effects of bullying, violence, and hate while also supporting school safety, school-based mental health, and positive school climate so all students are free to learn. 

Access Free to Learn Resources
Best Practices Clearinghouse

We Invite You to Pledge to Partner with Us Today! 

States and territories, school districts, tribal nations and public health agencies can Pledge to Partner to create and support schools and other learning environments that prevent, address, and ameliorate the effects of bullying, violence, and hate while also supporting school safety, school-based mental health, and positive school climate. 

Pledge Partners can choose to simply pledge to prioritize this work in their ongoing efforts or they can pledge to be an Active Partner engaging in one or more of the activities below. Free to Learn partners will serve as champions and advocates for safe and supportive school environments that are effective, evidence-based, and worthy of our students and their unique potential for learning and success in school and in life. 

Active Partner Activities

American Institutes for Research

U.S. Department of Education

The contents of the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments Web site were assembled under contracts from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Supportive Schools to the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Contract Number  91990021A0020.

This Web site is operated and maintained by AIR. The contents of this Web site do not necessarily represent the policy or views of the U.S. Department of Education nor do they imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.

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