About 150 activists blocked a busy Newark intersection this morning in the second straight day of protesting against Newark Public Schools' controversial school overhaul plan.
The protesters, including students, parents and community activists, camped out at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street, prompting city police to divert south bound traffic on Broad Street.
Today's protest, which drew activists from as far away as Philadelphia and New York City, followed a demonstration against of [sic] Newark Public Schools with about 200 students on Tuesday at Military Park.
NJ.com
The students are demanding the halt of One Newark, a plan that involves expanding charter schools, relocating students and staff, and changing leadership in existing schools. They have also asked for the the resignation of Superintendent Cami Anderson, a town hall with Gov. Chris Christie in Newark and for a locally elected governing body to run the school system. The school district has operated under state governance since 1993.
As activists chanted "no justice no peace" and "the students united will never be divided," several students interlocked their arms in PVC plastic tubes with "we have nothing to lose but our chains" written on them and laid across the edge of the sidewalk/roadway.
"Our voices have been ignored time and time again," said Anthony Carey, 18, a recent graduate from East High School.
The district says that school officials have met with the activist group in the past, and would be open to meeting with them again in the future. But, they are concerned about the students who are missing school days to take part in the protests.
"Time on task is extremely critical to the success of students," a spokeswoman said. "The District is supportive of students expressing their views and concerns, however we are encouraging them to return immediately to school and hope that members of the community will join us in this call."
I believe these kids are spending "time on task." Their task appears to be stopping the further destruction of our public school system by right wing demagogues. They have my support and I wish them luck.