Leadership Academy Serves Democracy

Re “Making Social Justice Part of the Curriculum,” Oct. 9: A middle school that includes social justice in its mission -- at the L.A. Leadership Academy this doesn’t mean providing an answer but rather asking questions about fairness and well-being. We expect our students to be critical, independent thinkers and ask them to find their own answers, using evidence, considering alternatives and understanding multiple viewpoints.

Since a central motive for creating a public school system was to prepare citizens to participate actively in a democracy, we are proud to honor the duty so fully. Right now, the students in my community action class are most concerned about child abuse. How gratifying to be able to give them the tools to do something about it.

Susanne Coie

Program Director

L.A. Leadership Academy