Embedded Files
2-18 update - media coverage: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1594984
UPDATE: On Friday, Feb. 14, Craig Trainor, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education, issued an ultimatum that all schools must stop all programs that mention "diversity" or "equity" within 14 days or else face a loss of federal funds. This could directly impact our school meals programs next month. The threat that APS could lose federal funds is not theoretical -- it's imminent.
A group of middle school students (watch some of them make public comment at the 2/13/25 school board meeting) was looking to organize a demonstration against efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and divert public school funding to private schools, and we thought this was a great idea to share out! It's also consistent with Virginia PTA advocacy efforts. So, the Arlington CCPTA is facilitating the efforts of these and all APS students (and their parents!) to speak up together. (Note: Arlington Public Schools as an organization is not sponsoring these events, but has been kept informed of the planning efforts.)
National PTA is crystal clear on this issue: "our association opposes any private school choice proposal and/or voucher system that diverts public funds to private or sectarian schools. Public dollars carry the responsibility for providing public access, governance, and accountability."
SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR SCHOOL'S DEMONSTRATION INFORMATION BELOW.
IF YOUR SCHOOL ISN'T LISTED YET, REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL PTA LEADERS & VOLUNTEER TO HELP PLAN AN EVENT FOR YOUR SCHOOL!
We are encouraging demonstrations to take place before or after school hours. However, pursuant to Policy J-5.1.30, all middle and high school students are allowed one day of an excused absence with a written note from a parent for civic activity.
WHY DEMONSTRATE NOW?
[Excerpted from VA PTA's February Newsletter] President Trump signed an executive order entitled "Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families," which directs the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance within the next 90 days that explains how states can redirect public education block grants funds to faith-based and private schools. These block grants normally provide fund programs for low-income families and special education students as well improve student learning conditions.
There is no data that proves private schools are more effective at improving student achievement. In fact, private schools can hand-pick which students they admit to influence their test results, and they have no mandated requirement to provide transparent spending, share their curriculum with parents, or demonstrate student achievement.
Voucher programs are a straight government handout to a select few private school families that directly reduces education funding that would otherwise provide public schools with supplemental resources to improve education for low-income families and special education students and/or keep our schools and students safe.
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Additionally, President Trump is threatening to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education by executive order and/or greatly diminish the important role it serves. His campaign talking point was to "return education to the states," however, local school boards and state governments already run public schools, not the federal government.
The US Department of Education provides important data collection and reporting on education spending and student achievement. They foster high academic standards, hold states accountable for failure to comply with IDEA (as we've seen in Virginia), provide targeted funding for schools in high-poverty areas, and fund improvements in schools that are identified as underperforming. The US Department of Education also oversees the $1.6 trillion federal student loan program and sets rules for what colleges must do to participate. They are also charged with enforcing civil rights laws that ban discrimination in federally funded schools on the basis of race, sex and other factors.
Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota in the Senate sponsor of the Returning Education to Our States Act, which would abolish the US Department of Education and shift the disbursement of funds to the Department of the Treasury, and move civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department.
SEE BELOW FOR LOCATIONS & TIMES TO JOIN UP THROUGHOUT ARLINGTON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025
Tip for students -- while small groups can demonstrate on a sidewalk, please do not block the sidewalk for other people. All participants are responsible for their own conduct, and we are not aware of any organization that is formally sponsoring these events.
Suggestions for bright, colorful signs that can be seen from a distance (30 feet or so):
"Fund public schools"
"No Vouchers"
"Hands off our public schools!"
"Public education is a public good!"
"Honk for Public Schools"
"Vouchers hurt vulnerable kids!"
Please no profanity on signs or other harmful language.
Gunston Middle School
WHEN: 7:00 - 7:35 AM
WHERE: On Lang St. by the Gunston sign
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space.
Arlington Science Focus Community
WHEN: 4 - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Entrance to Hayes Park on N. Lincoln & along the N. Lincoln sidewalk, across from ASFS, up to the bridge across Rt 66
SAFETY: Parents, please accompany your children and stay on the sidewalks.
Arlington Tech
WHEN / WHERE: Stay tuned - student leaders will share details on Tuesday
Swanson Community
WHEN: 2:45 - 3:15 PM
WHERE: The sidewalks on Patrick Henry on the overpass above I-66, south of 11th Street N. This is the closest overpass to the school. Free lollipop for anyone who joins!
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space on the sidewalk.
Dorothy Hamm Community
WHEN: 2:35 - 3:00 PM
WHERE: At the entrance of Stratford Park, between the school and the tennis courts, on Langston Blvd.
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space on the sidewalk.
Tuckahoe Community
WHEN: 7:45 - 8:30 AM
WHERE: Corner of Sycamore and Langston at Tuckahoe Park
SAFETY: Please remain on the sidewalk or grass, and parents, please accompany your children.
Washington-Liberty High School
WHEN: TBD - check back soon
WHERE: The sidewalks on N. Stafford St., on the overpass above I-66, south of 15th St. N. This is the closest overpass to the school.
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space on the sidewalk.
Williamsburg Middle School
WHEN: 7:30 AM - 7:35 AM
WHERE: On the W & OD Trail/Bike Bridge over Langston Blvd, adjacent to the Econo Lodge and the Falls Church Fire Department. Bridge can be accessed on foot via N Van Buren St./19th Rd or Little Falls Rd.
SAFETY: No bikes please. Students will protest on sides of bridge keeping the main path open and clear.
Yorktown High School
WHEN: 3 PM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: N. Harrison St., along Chestnut Hills Park/Greenbrier Park
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space on the sidewalk.
Wakefield High School
WHEN: 3:15 - 3:45 PM
WHERE: The corner of George Mason Dr. and S. Dinwiddie St., on the sidewalk in front of the school
SAFETY: Please store bicycles away from the demonstration so that they don't take up space on the sidewalk.
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