Dr. Graciela Slesaransky-Poe, professor in the School of Education, is the recipient of the 2017 Champion of Social Justice Award by the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center.

Dr. Slesaransky-Poe was recognized for “her work in creating welcoming, inclusive, and safe schools and organizations for gender non-binary and transgender children, youth, and adults,”  which centers on supporting educators and families in transforming schools and organizations into places where members of all gender and sexual orientations feel welcomed and included. She is a founding member of Education Deans for Equity and Justice, as well as the National Advisory Council of Welcoming Schools for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special needs who educate and guide children or youths who have disabilities and special needs and their families, as well as the professionals who work with these individuals.