Legislative Rally
Judy Jo (Grade 11 / Liberty High) Originally published May 2005At 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28th, 2005, a statewide rally was underway at the State Capitol Building in Saint Paul.
Hundreds of students, teachers, parents, and community members, gathered at the Capitol to raise public school funding. Students spoke out, hoping to get their voices heard and to let others know that public schools are at risk. With school closings, class-size increases, teacher layoffs, and the cutting of student programs, students have been forgotten. It is as if no one cares what happens to the students. There was a senior at Hopkins High, a couple of teachers, a parent, and even a preacher who spoke at the hour-long rally.
Liberty High’s very own Mrs. Wedel took four students to the rally so they could get a better understanding of the issue and so they could get involved.
The cutting of public school funds affects us all. Without the schools and the opportunities they offer, students drop out and they turn to the streets and violence. The economy also is affected, because there are no younger generations to fill positions when older people retire.
Rally-goers were invited to write to the legislative people and tell them what they thought of the fund cutting. If you would like to write too, the website link is www.educationminnesota.org/?PAGE_ID=9760.