MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Parents, educators, students, and lawmakers at dozens of DMV area schools protested President Donald Trump’s sweeping cuts to the nation’s public education system Wednesday morning.
March 19 is symbolic because it coincides with federal lawmakers returning to their home districts. Before the start of school, hundreds will rally and hold walk-ins.
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National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle and Montgomery Council Vice-President Will Jawando joined the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) for a Takoma Park Middle School demonstration at 7:10 a.m.
This is part of a national day of action. Tens of thousands are mobilizing these demonstrations throughout the country to protect public education.
Another walk-in rally was held at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro at 7:30 a.m.
The Maryland State Education Association has been vocal and concerned that these federal cuts could trickle down to the local level, resulting in fewer teachers and larger class sizes. 7News spoke with MCEA President David Stein, who calls the cuts unacceptable attacks on public education that must stop.
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“What the federal government does do in K-12 education is support our most vulnerable students, our students with disabilities, our students who are in poverty. That’s where the aid of the federal government is coming in. If that is cut or if that has strings put upon it or whatever it is that they are thinking about in Washington, that could be really devastating for our most vulnerable students,” said Stein.
MCEA represents over 14,000 classroom teachers, school counselors, and other educators.
Unlike school walkouts when students leave the school grounds, these walk-ins are gatherings in front of each school for 30-45 minutes for a rally before the school day begins.