The Social Justice Standards and the BEA Framework
Introduction
Middle Way Education (MWE), inspired by the framework of the Social Justice Standards created by the educational project “Learning for Justice” has identified specific BEA Learning Goals that align with each of the four domains: Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action.
These domains provide a powerful structure for helping learners grow in self-awareness, cultivate respect for others, recognize and address harmful systems, and take compassionate action in the world. The Buddha himself was a leader who questioned assumptions, challenged people to see beyond their limited perspectives, and taught that reducing ignorance, aggression, and attachment is the path toward reducing bias in all its forms.
As the Buddha’s teachings naturally support the goal of increasing awareness, deconstructing bias, and promoting compassion, MWE offers learning goals that support these principles in classroom practice. For implementation with fidelity to their framework, teachers can download the Social Justice Standards, choose their specific goals in each of the four core areas, and create integrated lessons and units that thoughtfully synthesize their objectives with those from the MWE Learning Goals. We offer the following crosswalk as a resource to encourage educators in both secular and Buddhist-based learning environments.
You can view the learning goals in these categories by using the filter on the framework search page, or view them on the learning pathways page.
The Standards and Correlations with MWE’s
1. Identity
While recognizing that all identities are impermanent and interdependent (anatta), we can skillfully engage with conventional identity as a tool for developing compassion, equanimity, reducing harm, and creating beneficial conditions for ourselves and others.
2. Diversity
Diversity invites us to recognize and appreciate the unique experiences, perspectives, and identities of all people. From a Buddhist perspective, each person is shaped by different causes and conditions, and no one identity is fixed or permanent. By understanding this, we can relate to others with empathy and openness, appreciating both our differences and shared humanity.
3. Justice
It means recognizing and addressing the causes of harm and imbalance in ourselves and in society. Suffering arises from ignorance, attachment, and aversion, both personally and collectively. Understanding justice involves becoming aware of how actions, systems, and views can create harm or limit the well-being of others, especially based on identity. By reflecting on our own social positions and cultivating wisdom and compassion, we can contribute to a more balanced and inclusive world.
4. Action
Action means responding to harm and exclusion with empathy, courage, and commitment. From a Buddhist perspective, compassion calls us to relieve suffering through skillful means and ethical conduct. Taking action includes speaking out against bias, supporting others with equanimity, and working together to create positive change. When we act with awareness of karma, interdependence, and non-harming, our efforts can benefit both ourselves and the broader community.