Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos: Thousands Gather to Rally for Education in Mostly Peaceful Protests [Updated]
Tens of thousands of protestors across the country took to college campuses and the streets yesterday to bring attention to the education crisis. In the Los Angeles area, a number of campuses were the focus of rallies in addition to one in downtown's Pershing Square.
In the San Fernando Valley at Cal State University Northridge, nearly 3,000 students and faculty culminated for the event. As the day progressed, it became more intense when students and police faced off after they took over the busy Reseda Boulevard. Five people were arrested and one 73-year-old teacher suffered a broken arm, according to the Daily News. [Update: According to a professor who was at the protest, nine were arrested]
"The First Amendment gives us the right to assemble and demonstrate," said the injured teacher, who was tossed to the ground when police rushed the crowd in the street. "That is not a privilege. It is a right. This is supposed to be a place where voices are heard."
But LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese had a different perspective. "We told the teachers, though, that we teach students the wrong thing when we allow them to take over a street without a permit," he said. "They cannot do that. What we wanted was a peaceful resolution. We didn't want to have to wrestle with a bunch of kids. It's not good for them. It's not good for us."
At UCLA, the rally was low key with about 300 people showing, reported the Daily Bruin. In downtown, where LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines demonstrated, an estimated 2,000 people showed. It was described as "loud but peaceful" by blogdowntown.
"I see this as a gathering," Cortines told the Daily News. "We are sending a message to the state and Washington that education is the most important element affecting the quality of life of any community, and it needs to be funded appropriately."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
