Public schools give credits for protesting

Posted by on October 13, 2006

[posted from Public Education Network newsblast]

IMMIGRATION 101: PUBLIC SCHOOLS GIVE CREDITS TO STUDENTS WHO PROTEST

Tens of thousands of people waved American and Mexican flags in dozens of U.S. cities demanding to become legalized U.S. citizens. Reminiscent of the 60s civil rights movement for Blacks, 2006 seems to be a pivotal turning point year for Hispanics, who have not surpassed Blacks as the largest “minority”, a term that is quickly becoming an oxymoron as some projections show that the Hispanic population will pass Whites by 2050 — without mass legalization of immigrants — and much sooner if the floodgates of legalization open to our Southern neighbors. Montgomery County (MD) public school Superintendent Jerry D. Weast made a controversial decision to grant students community service credit for attending immigration demonstrations. Defending the decision, schools spokesman Brian Edwards retorted, “This is nothing new. Advocacy is allowed.” But in the superheated atmosphere surrounding the immigration debate, the decision is drawing sharp criticism from many quarters. School system offices were flooded with angry phone calls as word of its authorization of credits was heralded on Talk Shows. Maryland students are required to put in 60 hours of community service to graduate from high school. They are allowed to include work for political campaigns and various activist activities — including the immigration protests, which took place during the school system’s spring break and students will be required to have a sponsoring organization verify their attendance.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/07/AR2006040701828.html