About US
Extremists are targeting free speech and expression in school communities and working to limit information and discussion that children need to understand the world around them. Students that have been historically marginalized, including LGBTQ+ students and students of color, are too often at the center of these attacks. The PA-WInS coalition seeks to engage more people to push back against the extremists–NOW–if we have any hope of turning the tide. Students need all of our voices to help ensure public schools will include and celebrate all students and provide a safe and supportive environment in which everyone can learn, succeed and thrive.
Mission
To unite people working at the state and local level, to create effective strategies to challenge extremist use of school board power and legislative policies, and to support efforts to create equitable and inclusive schools that foster belonging and success for all students.
The PA-WinS coalition commits to responding to book bans and censorship activity; discriminatory policies and practices, including discipline policies, that exclude or target any student group that is under our scope, transgender exclusion policies and restrictions on using students’ affirming names and pronouns; and policies that aim to stifle classroom speech and expression.
History
In May 2022, the ACLU of Pennsylvania brought together parents and educational and community groups to fight back against extremist board policies in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In October 2022, a number of those groups, including the ACLU-PA, Anti-Defamation League, Education Law Center, Human Rights Campaign of Pennsylvania, NAACP Bucks County, Education Voters of Pennsylvania, Planned Parenthood, and Red Wine & Blue came together to form Pennsylvanians for Welcoming and Inclusive Schools (PAWInS). Their central goal was to unite individuals and organizations working against extremist school boards and extremist legislation to build a stronger and more effective response against these attacks.
Vision
Our coalition dreams of a Pennsylvania where lawmakers and school officials will support and promote inclusive school environments that reflect and celebrate the diversity of Pennsylvania’s student population and are safe and welcoming spaces for all students to grow, learn, and thrive.