New York Students Suspended for Protesting Budget Cuts, Massive Union Rally Opposing Cuts on May 12

[Better Believe It]

Students Suspended For Protesting Budget, Unions Plan Massive Rally Opposing Bloomberg's Cuts
By Allison Kilkenny
April 25, 2011

The Central Islip School District recently decided to suspend students who participated in a peaceful protest against proposed budget cuts, a ruling that has drawn sharp condemnation from the New York American Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).

Hundreds of students from Ralph G. Reed Middle School walked out of their classes April 1 to protest in front of the district’s administration offices. Central Islip officials issues layoff notices to 154 teachers last month and warned budget cuts could mean the elimination of all sports, after-school clubs, and kindergarten. The district is losing a total of $5.7 million in state aid.

New York unions are planning what they hope will be a massive rally May 12 against potential budget cuts, Wall Street, and Mayor Bloomberg. The protest is being billed as “The Day We Made Wall Street Stand Still,” and includes participants such as the United Federation of Teachers and 1199/SEIU.

"The big banks wrecked our economy and are back to making billions in profits and lavish bonuses, while the rest of us are still cleaning up the mess," said Mary Brosnahan of the Coalition for the Homeless.

Read the full article at:

http://www.thenation.com/blog/160136/students-suspended-protesting-budget-unions-plan-massive-rally-opposing-bloombergs-cuts

[Snoutport]

1. That's not a very good lesson about democracy.

[madrchsod]

2. students in chicago,rockford and other cities in illinois...

have done the same thing last fall. organizing the students is a win-win for those who want a real say in public education.

[OHdem10]

3. Our Democracy is in peril.