Position Statements

Position on Partisanship

The Peace & Justice Academy unconditionally accepts and respects all members of the school community (students, parents, faculty members, staff members, administrators, and board members), regardless of their political views or party affiliations, recognizing that people of faith may support a wide range of political positions. As a school, the Peace & Justice Academy maintains a completely non-partisan approach to politics. We will not affiliate with, endorse, support, or oppose any political party, nor any candidates running for any office. Beyond the legal constraints faced by 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations concerning partisan endorsements, we believe it is critical to promote the independent thought and action of our students.

Members of the school community may not impose their personal party affiliations on each other but should be willing to discuss and listen respectfully to a variety of opinions and convictions. At the same time, we are a school devoted to the causes of peace and justice, and, as such, must be fundamentally a political school. We are a school dedicated to teaching students the ways of political advocacy and the tools of non-violent activism in support of positions and causes that individual students value, whatever those positions and causes may be. We believe that informed participation in the political process, including voting and communicating with elected officials, is an opportunity to put our beliefs into action and “stand for justice, wage peace, and impact the world.”

Position on Gender and Sexual Orientation

The Peace & Justice Academy affirms and embraces all members of the school community (students, parents, faculty members, staff members, administrators, and board members), regardless of gender or sexual orientation, recognizing the equality and value of all people. We believe it is morally right to extend hospitality to everyone. We strive to model mutual respect and love that will be a witness to those who encounter us.