Students Protest Miramonte Elementary Staff Shake-Up, Chant 'We Want Our Teachers Back!'

Screenshot/KTLA

Parents of Miramonte Elementary School students reacted to the news of the staff reassignments by protesting Tuesday morning, along with their children.

Dozens of parents and children braved the rain, opposing LAUSD's decision to replace the entire staff following the arrests of two Miramonte Elementary teachers accused of sex crimes against students. LAUSD Superintendent Dr. John E. Deasy announced Monday night that all Miramonte Elementary employees, including administrators, teachers, secretaries and custodians, will be replaced by a pre-screened group of teachers and counselors in order "to stabilize the learning environment and offer immediate and on-going support."

Parents lined up this morning to sign a petition to reinstate the staff, while children chanted, "We want our teachers back!" reports L.A. Now. Those in opposition to the reassignment feel it punishes innocent teachers and students and claim unfamiliar teachers will negatively affect the students' academic performance. Some parents worry that the teachers won't return.

An 11-year-old sixth grader, Lincy Lozano, said of the school staff, "It's not fair for them to pay for this." Two children held signs that read "Not Fair!" and "Not All Teachers Are Criminals!!"

The school is closed today and Wednesday and will reopen Thursday with all new faculty faces. The displaced staff will continue to receive pay.

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By Lauren Lloyd in News on February 7, 2012 11:50 AM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

tewsday

I'm always kind of creeped out when kids that young show up at protests, especially in this case. I mean, did someone *really* explain to that 11-year-old all the gross details of what went down to start all this? Or did their parents just say, "Honey, grab that picket sign and come with me." Because either way, I'm not really okay with it.

djcastel

This policy makes zero sense. If these teachers and staff are not a risk to children, there's no reason to remove them from the school. If they are a risk to children, it's unjustifiable to reassign them to another a school.

sygyzy

That sounds so easy the way you put it but if you asked 3 weeks ago if any of the teachers are the school were criminals, everyone, including students, would say no. Now we find out at least 3 staff, including a WOMAN, are accused of heinous acts against minors.