NJEA is accepting nominations for the 2023 Equality Champion Award. The award honors members who have been champions in the defense of human and civil rights, and that have significantly impacted education and the achievement of equal opportunity for those facing discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Equality Champion award is presented by the NJEA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Committee at the annual Equity Alliance Conference.

Eligibility

The nominee must be a current NJEA active or retired member in good standing for the past three years. The nomination must be made by completing an award application form and submit it by the deadline.

Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Promotes appreciation for diversity with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity.
2. Champions policy and/or legislation that improve conditions and opportunities in the school environments through eliminating discrimination or abusive behavior towards LGBTQIA+ individuals.
3. Helps schools develop programs that enhance education, demonstrates leadership and creativity by improving conditions for LGBTQIA+ students and teaches students to refrain from activities such as bullying, stereotyping, and fighting.

Nominating procedures

1. Nominations will be accepted from individual active or retired members or NJEA local and county affiliates—through the online process set and received by Oct. 31.
2. Nominations must be accompanied by appropriate documentation which may include: newspaper clippings, newsletters, online reports, programs, certificates, citations, pictures, etc.
3. The award recipient must be available to attend the awards dinner at the Equity Alliance

Selection of the award winner

1. The NJEA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee, through a subcommittee, will conduct a blind screening of all nominations to choose a recommended award winner. Through the screening process, applicants’ names, local and county associations, and employers will be redacted.
2. Judging of nominated applicants will be based solely on the listed award criteria.
3. Any member who is nominated for the award shall not participate in the screening and selection process.
4. The committee shall submit its recommendation for the award winner to the NJEA Executive Committee for final approval at its December meeting.

Questions? Email Mike Rollins below.