UNITE TO DEFEND EQUAL QUALITY EDUCATION IN BOSTON
Dec. 14, 1974 March on Boston
Say No to Racism!
Stop the School Closings!
Postpone the School Committee Vote!

Pack 26 Court Street!
Wed., Nov. 5th - 6:00 PM

On Wednesday, November 5th, the Boston School Committee is scheduled to vote on a plan that will mean cuts to students and parents in Boston’s communities of color. The plan calls for the burden of the cuts to fall once again most heavily on Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. As City Councilor Chuck Turner stated in his Nov. 2, 2008, letter to School Superintendent Carol Johnson, “Residents of Greater Roxbury have witnessed the closing of over 70 schools in the last thirty years. These changes have left us with the feeling that our children are viewed as pieces on a chess board rather than human beings who have a right to be treated respectfully. Given the fact that children of Greater Roxbury don't have enough seats to go to school in their neighborhoods and that other neighborhoods are working to limit our access, we are very suspicious of any change and want to be able to clearly understand the impact of any changes, particularly where we are going to see our children again losing seats.”

As a result of massive community opposition and protest, the School Committee rescinded some of the school closures, and postponed until 2009 the decision on the racist and segregationist 60%/40% preference for “walk-to” neighborhood schools. They also postponed the vote on the closing and consolidation plan by one week. Even with the modifications, and absent any serious analysis of the impact of plan on communities of color, the plan should not go forward!

Join with City Councilors Chuck Turner and Charles Yancey, the Black Educators Alliance of Massachusetts (BEAM), Work 4 Quality/Fight 4 Equity, Boston Parent Organizing Network (BPON), the Women’s Fightback Network, the United Steelworkers Local 8751 (Boston school bus drivers), the International Action Center, Community Partners, parents, students and education activists to demand that the School Committee vote be postponed.

Call Mayor Menino 617-635-4500 * School Committee 617-635-9014 *
Dr. Carol Johnson 617-635-9050

The December 14th 1974, 25,000 strong “March Against Racism” showed that Solidarity between the Community, Labor, students, and other activists can turn back the racist tide. It’s time to march again.

For more information: USW Local 8751 617 524-7073


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