In response to the disastrous cuts to the LAUSD budget, community members have taken a number of actions in opposition and protest.
A roving campout of hunger-striking teachers, eager to add their life experience to their in-class pedagogy, along with their supporters, traveled from campus to campus. They eventually set up in front of the downtown district office, where they were visited by veteran activist Dolores Huerta.
High school students walked out of class and marched to neighboring schools and to the LAUSD office, where some engaged in direct action at a board meeting.
After nearly a month, the teachers moved their encampment to the front of Supertintendent Cortines' house, breaking their fast the next day. While the teachers have ended their strike, the dancers of Danza Cuauhtémoc have take it up, and are currently camped in front of the LAUSD office. The danzantes, who are present at almost every march, rally, and action that occurs in the Los Angeles area, normally give willingly of their feet, voices, and talent to provide their blessing. But this time, inspired by the teachers and impressed with the urgency of the situation, they have taken the extra step of sacrificing their own bodies as well.
Reports on the hunger strike: Los Angeles Teacher Hunger Strike Carries On. Days 14,16 and 17 Photos Part 1 and
Part 2 | |
Hunger Strikers Picket Cortinez Home Day 21 | | Los Angeles Hunger Striking Teachers Stop Action by Robert Stuart Lowden | |
Judith de las danzas aztecas Cuauhtemoc se puso en huelga de hambre por Rodrigo Argueta
Teacher testimonies: MESA Program for Math and Science Kids To Close With Schwarzenegger's Budget Cuts and
Los Angeles Teacher Marco Flores Outlines Hungry For Education's Continuing Campaign by Robert Stuart Lowden | |
Mensaje de un huelguista a la comunidad por Martin
Student walkouts: Santee Students Walk Out and March in Support of Hunger Strikers Part 1,
Part 2, and
Part 3 by Robert Stuart Lowden
UPDATE: Day 28 of LAUSD Protest:LAUSD Board Votes 5 to 2 for School Cuts Part 1 and
Part 2
School budget crisis continues: Teachers end hunger strike, dancers begin; Santee students walk out in protest