Profiles in Courage: Spingarn High Protests & McKinley High Sits-in Over DC Teacher Layoffs

Today I received text messages and emails about the protest at Spingarn high school. Spingarn high school students protested early this morning and walked the long track down to the Wilson building to meet with elected leaders. On the opposite side of town, McKinley Senior high students staged a 'sit-in' in Room 150 while Principal David Pinder lost control of his students for a third day in a row. I have posted an anonymous email that I received about the Spingarn protest as well as pictures of both demonstrations.

"Candi – I was at Spingarn this morning, along with Robert Brannum, Nathan Saunders and Rev Hagler. There were about 100 students demonstrating in front of the building. They were chanting Save our teachers,” “No teachers, no school” and “Fire Chancellor Rhee.” They were excited but orderly. They sometimes crept out onto the street, but moved back when asked. Whenever a car going by honked in support, the kids went nuts. Here’s what some of their signs said:

- Bring our teachers back

- Our education is on the line

- 50 plus has been good for us

- A senior this year, a DC voter next year

About 9:45, the students went down to Benning Road where they could be seen by more people. They walked down Benning Road until it turned into H Street where they headed straight towards the District Building. Students were escorted the entire way by numerous members of the DC metropolitan police force. While I left before the students went into the District building, I couldn't help but think what a wonderful testimony to DC teachers."

Posted by The Washington Teacher, featuring Candi Peterson, blogger in residence