Empowering Students with Nonviolence: The James Lawson Jr./ Dolores Huerta Nonviolence Education Project at Garfield High School
As part of a new initiative by the UCLA Labor Center, the Lawson/Huerta Nonviolence Education Project recently visited six classrooms, engaging 170 students at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. This project, inspired by Senate Resolution 38 in 2023 introduced by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, aims to promote nonviolence education in public schools in California.
The initiative seeks to educate students on the principles and practices of nonviolent social movements drawn from historic and contemporary lessons, and based on the teachings of Rev. James Lawson Jr. Through interactive exercises, students explore how these movements successfully advanced social change through peaceful means.
Joining the facilitation were students from a labor studies course at UCLA, led by instructor Janna Shadduck-Hernández. Their involvement provided additional support and enriched the learning experience for high school students.
“Participating in this project has been incredibly rewarding, as I remember when Emely first introduced me to the work she had been doing, and to see it in the classroom was amazing,” said Carolina Sarabia, a UCLA student facilitator. “Seeing the high school students engage with the material and draw connections to their own lives and communities was inspiring.”
Through the curriculum’s prompts, the high school students reflected on their role as change-makers. One Garfield High School student’s written reflection to the question, “What did you learn about nonviolence?” read, “Nonviolence is a hard practice, since we always think that violence solves everything. Also that we have the power to make change.”
The success of the Lawson/Huerta Nonviolence Education Project at Garfield High School highlights the role of nonviolence education as a tool for social justice. By empowering students with the knowledge and skills to address community issues, this initiative helps to build a more just and equitable society.
Educators at the high school, community college level, and labor and community partners interested in learning more about the curriculum are invited to an upcoming Teaching Nonviolence event showcasing materials and resources. The event is taking place on July 26, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UTLA (3303 Wilshire Blvd). RSVP: bit.ly/uclanonviolence
