A couple days ago, Integrated Schools posted a TikTok about “redshirting” — the practice of holding kids back a year so they’re the oldest in their kindergarten class — and it blew up. Hundreds of comments poured in. Some agreed. Some disagreed loudly. And some made points worth sitting with. We’ve been in the thick of these conversations for years, but seeing all the attention “redshirting” got on TikTok has made us want to dive a little deeper and respond to some of the feedback, and add more context.

Integrated Schools’ goal comes down to getting just under 3 million White and/or privileged families to resist the impulse to hoard educational resources and instead choose to enroll in public schools that serve those furthest from opportunity in their communities. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re among those 3 million, and/or in a position to influence someone to join those ranks. 

As we head toward May 17th—the 71st anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education—we reflect on the work of those who came before us, on the changes that landmark decision wrought, and yes, on the ways that Brown’s promise was curtailed and undermined. Public schools need us all now more than ever.

Last week, we introduced our #PublicSchoolsSaveDemocracy campaign, and we want to talk a little bit more specifically about why we believe INTEGRATED public schools save democracy.

The challenges of the last few months have left many of us feeling disheartened and uncertain. But one thing is clear: We cannot afford to retreat into silence. We cannot wait for the next election, the next policy shift, or the next “big moment” to make a change. Democracy is a long-term project, and public schools are at the very heart of that work.