The Moment to Stand Up: Why Educators Must Protect Every Student—Even When Policy Says Not To
May 18, 2025
Opinion
By Mark Barnes
Across the country, a disturbing policy trend is gaining momentum. A growing number of government mandates are pressuring school districts and teachers to eliminate anything falling under their narrow—and dangerous—definition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Here’s what that looks like on the ground:
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Teachers are being told not to acknowledge a student’s preferred pronouns
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Not to support students navigating their gender or sexual identity
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Not to intervene when a student is bullied or harassed for who they are
At Times 10 Publications and Hack Learning, we believe this is more than policy overreach. It’s a moral failure.
These mandates target the most vulnerable learners and demand silence in the face of cruelty. That’s not education. That’s harm.
We stand with educators who know that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and protected. You didn’t become a teacher to be complicit in injustice. And you don’t have to be.
There are ways to lead with empathy and protect kids—even when the law restricts your words.
You can:
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Build safe, affirming classroom cultures where respect is modeled and expected
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Use inclusive language and texts that reflect the diversity of the world your students live in
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Create ally spaces with school counselors, social workers, and administrators
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Respond with kindness and care when students disclose something deeply personal
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Document injustices and work with parent and community groups to advocate for change
We’ve worked alongside teachers and leaders doing this courageous work every day. And we’re here to help you do it too.
This is the moment for educators to lead—not with fear, but with integrity.
We challenge you to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion—not as political buzzwords, but as moral imperatives. Accept every child. Defend every child. Especially those whose very existence is under threat.
Because if we won’t, who will?
Mark Barnes is the president and founder of Times 10 Publications and the creator of the Hack Learning Series. He is a 30-year educator and lifelong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools.
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