Press Contact: Rashad Turner — Executive Director rashad@mnparentunion.org; 651-410-0909
Monday, August 31, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#ParentStrike #StudentStrike #BoycottMPS
School starts next week, yet there are thousands of children enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools who lack access to the internet and other basic login, schedule or academic supports necessary for distance learning as part of a uniform and adequate system to provide free public education. At least that’s the way it seems based on listening to stories among families of color, working families, essential child care workers and students of all ages. We’ve yet to see any plan that makes sense and takes into full consideration the support and expectations this community has for our children’s future and education.
We place the needs and academic success of our children first and foremost. We are prepared to take action to ensure quality education for our children. Anyone or organization who uses their power to block families from choosing quality education options, should use that energy to improve their own work first.
Superintendent Ed Graff has had months of opportunity to plan something great, and yet for thousands of Minneapolis Public Schools children, inequitable plans fall hardest on Black, brown, Indigenous, and low-wealth families; Graff ignores the voices of parents, doesn’t return voicemails from community members, and when presented with solutions, balks and bends to accommodate adult interests. Graff failed to plan, failed to communicate, and left parents in the dark. Minneapolis Public Schools has consistently failed to meet the needs of Black, Brown, and Indigenous students – the results speak for themselves.
With children of color and their families front of mind, and the future of our intertwined communities top of mind — we call for all families to unenroll from MPS in solidarity with our children. Unenroll from all Minneapolis Public Schools immediately. Our children deserve to be in school environments where administrators have prepared for their return; we will continue supporting families with enrolling into quality schools.
Families who unenroll can count on free enrollment support from Family Advocates to find better school options among neighboring districts, charter, private or whatever school option meets the needs of your family.
#ParentStrike #StudentStrike #BoycottMPS starts immediately and remains in effect until Ed Graff and Minneapolis Public Schools meet the demands presented during today’s meeting.
We along with our partners are holding a press conference on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 4pm live streamed on Minnesota Parent Union’s Facebook page. Join us at MPS Davis center, back parking lot, where we will discuss the demands and solutions that are available to families who strike.