Naropa University Offers Limited Free Enrollment in Sacred Activism Course for Educators from States With New Classroom Censorship Measures
Boulder, Colorado, United States, January 4, 2023—Since January 2021, more than 40 state legislatures have taken steps to censor race and gender discussions in schools, with seventeen states now restricting the essential educational exploration of systemic inequality and diversity issues in the classroom. Naropa University is proud to support affected educators by offering an opportunity to engage in anti-racist training. Beginning in 2023, a select number of educators from impacted states will be able to enroll in Naropa’s online Sacred Activism course at no cost.
Sacred Activism is a 3-week, 10-hour, instructor-led, asynchronous course that examines the intersection of contemplative spirituality and antiracism. The course offers a leveled-up diversity training that holistically integrates social justice into one’s professional, personal, and spiritual life. Sacred Activism is offered through Naropa’s Extended Campus, which provides continuing education, professional development, and personal enrichment opportunities to the public.
Sacred Activism is created and guided by Dr. Jennifer Bacon, a Core Associate Professor and Department Chair in Contemplative Education at Naropa, who brings her expertise in culturally responsive pedagogy to her design of the course. Participants can expect stimulating discussion opportunities, thought-provoking readings and videos, and a self-paced curriculum, which take place within a virtual community space. While the course is designed for all who want to practice the work of Sacred Activism, it includes a special module that is particularly adapted for educators. Dr. Bacon’s children’s book, I Am an Antiracist Superhero, will be released by Bala Kids in the Fall of 2023.
Sacred Activism seeks to respond to recently revived efforts to censor diverse voices and historical truths. Unsettled by critical race theory, an academic and legal framework that underscores systematic racism in American institutions, a number of state legislatures have passed bills limiting discussions about institutional racism and sexism. This trend has materialized into a real threat for teachers and school districts. Educators in affected states face difficulty creating lessons and finding professional development opportunities that reflect an honest representation of racism within the United States.
Inspired by the ACLU’s commitment to defend the First Amendment right “to an accurate, complete, and inclusive learning environment,” Naropa’s Extended Campus is pleased to offer no-cost enrollment to a select number of educators from Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Virginia, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and New Hampshire beginning in 2023.
Sacred Activism provides an inclusive opportunity to engage with Naropa’s contemplative approach to anti-racism, self-reflection, and deep listening. Seats are limited in this instructor-led course, which is expected to be offered multiple times throughout the year. More information about Naropa Extended Campus, Sacred Activism, and access to this initiative can be found HERE.
About Naropa University:
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. As the “birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement,” Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom studies with traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
