Choosing Humanity in Divided Times
The AFT and our partners, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Bridging Cultures Group, are proud to launch this resource page to serve as a knowledge bank and toolbox for educators and activists on countering hate and extremism while promoting pluralistic democracy. There are also resources here for having difficult conversations across differences.
Our nation’s public institutions, including labor unions, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare centers, and our democratic values, including free speech and academic freedom, are vital to healthier and safer communities. For generations, these institutions and values have been essential for advancing, protecting and enabling better lives for our members, our families and all people in this country, including Jews and Muslims.
We believe it is possible and necessary to both protect public institutions and democratic values and directly confront antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate. The resources on this page offer tools to help you understand the interrelated nature of combating hate, extremism and antisemitism and take steps to promote, protect and strengthen our American democracy.
About our partners
Bridging Cultures Group fosters inclusion and respect in all segments of society, with special attention to those divisions that have been steadily increasing prior to and since the 2016 elections.
Since its founding 80 years ago, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs has served as the national convener of Jewish coalitions working to build a just and inclusive democracy—bringing together national and local partners to address the issues that most deeply affect our community and advance our most essential values. Throughout its history, JCPA has been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights, justice and equality in the United States.
Courageous Conversations with tools from Bridging Cultures Group
Resources for Teachers
Ideas for Responding to Student Questions and Challenges on Controversial Issues
Share My Lesson
From JCPA on Understanding Antisemitism
From Bridging Cultures Group and their Partners on Understanding Anti-Muslim and Anti-Arab Hate
Relevant AFT Resolutions
2024
Calling for a Bilateral Cease-Fire in Gaza and Promoting a Two-State Solution and an End to the Weaponization of Hate
What Is At Stake In The 2024 Elections: A Democratic Republic Committed To Liberty And Justice For All
2023
Condemning Hate and Affirming Freedom of Speech on Campus
2020
Opposition to Trump’s Travel Ban and Discrimination Against International Students
2018
Opposition to Anti-Muslim Bigotry, Discrimination and Violence
Relevant press releases
May 19, 2025
AFT Officers on Crisis in Gaza
October 9, 2023
U.S. Education Leaders Condemn Hamas Attack, Stand with Israeli People