Peter Greene writes that student protests in Newark have exposed the lie about corporate reform defending civil rights. Thousands of students in Newark, mostly African American, went into the streets to oppose the corporate reform policies of the superintendent Cami Anderson. She was given an assignment by Governor Chris Christie to privatize the public schools of Newark.
The students demand to be heard but no one will listen.
Greene writes:
“As always, the students’ actions were thoughtful, measured and positive. Their message was vocal and clear. Accountability for superintendent Cami Anderson (skewered in one sign as “$cami”). A return to local control. And end to charter takeover of schools that have no need of takeover.
“Imagine you are someone thinking, “I believe that equitable education is the civil rights issue of our era. I believe that students who are not wealthy and not white are not represented and their needs are not respected. I am concerned that without test results, these students will become invisible.”
“Could you possibly have stood in Newark and said, “Boy, I just wish there were some way to find out what black families and students want, or what they think about the direction of education in Newark….
“Reformsters repeatedly claim that they are most concerned about American students like the students of Newark. The students of Newark have given them a chance to put their money where their mouths are, and reformsters have stayed silent. Cami Anderson remains unwilling to so much as talk to the students of Newark, and no leading “reform” voice has stepped up to call her out.
“Newark is a clear and vivid demonstration that reformster talk about civil rights and the importance of hearing and responding to the voices of students and families– it’s all a lie. In walking out, the students of Newark have stood up, not just for their own community and schools, but for students and communities all across the country.”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Reblogged this on Exceptional Delaware.
Peter Greene is a good reminder that teachers are not helpless victims. We can fight and when we do, we often win. In my state, the teacher’s association is the most powerful interest group in the state. Many legislators are afraid to mess with schoolteachers and that’s a good thing. More important, citizens trust us because we are the people in the classrooms and they know we protect and instruct their children.
Some posters portray teachers as helpless victims who will lose their jobs if they speak up. Of course, sometimes this happens but in my 42 years of teaching I can honestly say I’ve only seen it occur a few times. And even in those cases, the teachers voluntarily resigned under pressure, rather than fight.
Thank you, Peter Greene, and all the other courageous teachers who speak up when something is wrong. You play a huge part in strengthening our profession.
Yep, when the Ferguson police force is mostly white in a black community that is a bad thing. When all the black teachers in New Orleans get replaced by white teachers that is a good thing. When the white superintendent of Newark refuses to meet with parents and students that’s a good thing. O.K. whatever.
What is good is that people are fighting these injustices.
This is the hypocrisy of racism in America.
If enough students rebel perhaps a “cami 0” appearance will be the result. We can always hope..
February 2014 through May 2015 Cami has 0 appearances at Newark Advisory Board meetings.
When students sat in her BoE office in February on a Tues night, she didn’t meet with them till Friday AM. She wasted 48+ hours when a smart superintendent would have met & moved on. Meanwhile, ABC news covered; students posted photos showing that community sent in blankets & superhero pillows for 3rd night.
Your play on words is great.