Democracy needs defenders, and it starts with you! Sign up to attend the Renew Democracy 250 weekly Zoom community call. Hear from special guests, learn how to take action, and connect with community members.

Special Guest Speaker: Paula Rogovin

Paula is a University of Chicago (BA) and Bank Street College of Education (MA) graduate, taught in the New York City public schools for 44 years (and retired in July, 2018). She is the mother of 3 adult sons and a grandmother of 6. Paula has been an activist all her life.

She co-founded Educators Against Racism and Apartheid, the Teaneck Peace and Justice Vigil (a weekly vigil since 2005), the Coalition to Ban Unsafe Oil Trains and the Don’t Gas The Meadowlands Coalition. Paula is Co-chair of Food and Water Watch, North Jersey Volunteer Team.

Paula has written several books, which she wrote to assist educators in developing social justice curriculum: Apartheid is Wrong, A Curriculum for Young People (United Nations Center Against Apartheid), and 3 Heinemann books: Classroom Interviews, a World of Learning, The Research Workshop, Bringing the World into Your Classroom.

She and her co-defendants recently won the right (in NJ Superior Court) to have a trial (in Livingston Municipal Court in NJ) using the necessity justification defense. In June, 2025 their case was dismissed by the prosecutor and their records were expunged! (see www.formosa4.org) for more information about the fight around Formosa Plastics.

Educational topic of the week: