More than 200 CDF Freedom Schools® scholars will participate in the event as part of the organization’s National Day of Social Action, a nationwide initiative that equips young people to engage in social and civic activism.
Media Contact: Dr. Guillermo Bervejillo, gbervejillo@childrensdefense.org, Research Manager, 740-914-9020, (on-site contact); John Henry, jhenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, 708-646-7679
COLUMBUS, OH—On Wednesday, July 23, more than 200 scholars will gather alongside Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus for a youth-led rally in support of public education.
Local CDF Freedom Schools scholars will stand together to raise their voices and send a clear message to lawmakers in Columbus and Washington, D.C. that public education is a public good. Participants will write letters to their state representatives to express why education matters to them personally. The scholars, who are between kindergarten and eighth grade, will also participate in various activities to deepen their understanding of the legislative process and their role as citizens in our democracy.
This event comes in the wake of recent efforts by federal officials and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and state lawmakers not fulfilling their promise to fully fund the Fair School Funding Formula. The DOE provides essential services to more than 50 million children across the nation, including Ohio. Youth advocates agree scholars who have disabilities and experience poverty in the Buckeye State are at grave risk of losing the support they need due to the department’s restructuring. The state budget compounds the effect of federal changes by severely underfunding the same group of scholars.
Wednesday’s event at the Ohio Statehouse is part of CDF Freedom Schools’ larger National Day of Social Action (NDSA), which teaches our young people the importance of exercising their First Amendment rights as citizens. Every summer, young people participating in the CDF Freedom Schools program receive literacy education instruction to create a love for reading and help them to avoid summer learning loss. Scholar learning opportunities are located at organizational partner sites based in schools, churches, and various community centers. Scholars from CDF Freedom Schools sites at Community Development for All People, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center, East Cleveland Neighborhood Center, Schealthness, and Southside Kingdom of Hope will participate in Wednesday’s event.
“Public education is the foundation for a thriving and robust democracy that can offer every scholar an equitable opportunity to grow up with dignity, hope, and joy if we respect, honor, and adequately invest in them,” said Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio State Director Dr. John Stanford. “It belongs to every child, family, and community, regardless of zip code or background. This National Day of Social Action is a chance for all Ohioans to come together to lay the foundation for us to unite, advocate, and demand policies that protect and strengthen our public schools moving forward. Together, we can make a powerful impact to support our children.”