Projects
In addition to creating a repository of fact-based and non-partisan information, The Institute for the Study of Education, Democracy & Justice’s projects will apply and pursue important theoretically, methodologically, empirically and socially important questions to:
- Solve issues impacting the most vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth
- Assist local and state government officials, agencies and policymakers in designing and identifying best practices.
Information Integrity Project (TIIP)
Introduction
Access to fact-based and reliable information is essential to a functioning and peaceful democratic republic. As the shining city on a hill and a beacon of hope for many globally, ensuring that the United States remains the world leader demands that the information, ideas and principles it disseminates are both trustworthy and accurate.
Mis/information, dis/information, and “information pollution[1]” are existential threats to American democracy as they impede individual liberty and society’s governing institutions capacity to address many of the country’s most pressing challenges, including (but not limited to):
- Inequality of Opportunity
- Domestic Extremism
- Democratic Backsliding
- Liberty & Human Dignity
The Information Integrity Project at The Institute for the Study of Education, Democracy & Justice will be a resource for historically accurate and fact-based information intended to instill trust in democratic processes and democratic institutions.
[1] UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (2020). Polluting Hearts and Minds: The Lessons Learned from Mapping Information Pollution Across Eight Country Contexts. Retrieved from: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/oslo_governance_centre/55405---UNDP-Oslo---Mapping-Information-Pollution---web.pdf
Guiding Principals
The Information Integrity Project is guided by the following principles:
- Rights-Based: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the Reconstruction Amendments anchor our efforts.
- Partnership & Collaboration: Information integrity is an ongoing process and can only be addressed by building strategic partnerships, collaborative relationships, exchanging ideas, disseminating best practices, and conducting rigorous and trustworthy research.
- Historically Grounded & Fact-Based: Information from accessible and reliable independent sources (e.g., libraries, archives and museums) are the cornerstone of democratic engagement, creativity, and the acceleration of innovative ideas that empower individuals to contribute to a more just society.
Thematic Areas:
The Information Integrity Project’s work is thematically guided.
Justice
The Information Integrity Project’s work will contribute to a more just society across four policy domains: Information, Procedural, Relational and Equity.
Liberty & Human Dignity
More than the absence of interference with self-determination, at the core of liberty and human dignity is education, which is essential for ensuring that all in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond are able to reach their fullest potential.
Information Accuracy, Quality, & Accessibility
We believe in the transformational power of historically accurate information that is readily accessible to the public. Access to quality information is essential to civic engagement, shared understanding, enhancing individual expression, and ensuring institutions are held accountable.
Independent Projects:
Annual Report Card on the State of Education in Virginia
