Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1537217
Labor activist Dolores Huerta, center, stands with the crowd in Hanford to defend and protect students, public schools and communities. At five simultaneous rallies held around the state, more than 15,000 Fight for Schools By Julian Peeples M A Y 17 was a historic day for our union, as more than 15,000 educators, parents, students and community allies turned out at five simultaneous rallies and marches across the Golden State to demand protection for public schools, students and communities under threat by the Trump Administration and Republican-controlled Congress. In Hanford, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sac- ramento, CTA educators and supporters united their voices to defend about $16 billion in federal funding — money for school- based health services, special education services for students with disabilities and meals for hungry students. The rallies received widespread coverage in local and national media, including being highlighted on Rachel Maddow's roundup of protests occurring nationwide. CTA President David Goldberg addressed thousands of people gathered in San Diego before a march through Balboa Park. "We call on the Trump Administration to stop threatening cuts to our schools and communities. We call on members of Congress to stand up against these threats and do their jobs — stand with our students and our communities," Goldberg said. "Our students rely on school meals, special education services and other supports funded by federal dollars." A Show of Force 6 cta.org Feature