School Closings Prompt Lesson in Activism

School was in Monday morning…on the steps of the Wilson Building in downtown DC. The lesson was in activism as a large crowd of parents, students and concerned citizens gathered in the wind and rain to protest the proposed closing of 23 DC public schools. "We have to be concerned about making this transparent and respecting all those that have a stake in this process," Washington Teachers Union (WTU) Local 6 President George Parker told the crowd. "The Council needs to stop rubber-stamping this process without the input of the public," said Candy Peterson, a WTU Local 6 building representative. "Put the public back in public education!" Other speakers called Mayor Fenty's and School Chancellor Michelle Rhee's plans to close schools an attempt to privatize schools and turn over public property to private real estate interests. Councilmembers Harry Thomas Jr., Marion Barry, Yvette Alexander and Kwame Brown also joined the rally. The four Councilmembers pledged their support to pressure the Mayor and Chancellor to listen to all stakeholders and make their decisions transparent. "We need school reform that includes the voice of the people," said Councilmember Thomas. "Every Councilmember should be out at this rally today," said Councilmember Marion Barry. "We are going to stay here until we get full input into this process." Councilmembers Barry and Thomas have introduced legislation that would require the Mayor to get community input and City Council approval prior to the sale of any school property. Holding colorful signs, students - from Rudolph Elementary, Burroughs Elementary, Bruce-Monroe Elementary, and other schools - parents chanted "save our schools!" with their parents before going inside to a hearing on the issue. "The Mayor promised the citizens of the District of Columbia transparency and parent involvement before schools would be closed and they got neither," said Metro Council President Jos Williams, who intends to testify to the City Council on the issue. The Coalition to Save Our Neighborhood Schools - which organized Monday's rally - will hold a "people's meeting" on January 17 at 6:30P to boycott 23 separate meetings – being held throughout DC on the same day by the Mayor and Chancellor – to discuss the closing proposals. -Report/photos by Andy Richards