Dozens of Chicago Public School students rallied downtown Monday to demand an elected board of education. More than 200 students are part of the Chicago Students Union, which was formed in 2013.

But students say the board refuses to listen to them. 

From Sun-Times:

“They continue to move forward with devastating cuts to our schools that hurt each and every student’s education. The reason this happens is because the board of education is only accountable to one man, [Mayor] Rahm Emanuel, and that is not right,” [Jones College Prep senior Ross] Floyd said.

CPS spokesman Bill McCaffrey said in a statement the district shares the students’ desire to make sure everyone has access to a high-quality education.

“With school starting soon, we hope their passion will inspire other students to return to classrooms ready to focus on their education,” McCaffrey said.

Before their planned march to the headquarters of the Chicago Public Schools, the students held a news conference across the street from Daley Plaza. They were joined there by Will Guzzardi, the Democrat who won the March primary for the 39th Illinois House District.

Guzzardi promised to pursue a bill in Springfield that would establish an elected Chicago school board. He said thousands of parents begged the Chicago Public Schools not to close schools, lay off teachers or slash budgets.

Read more at Sun-Times

Watch the students in action:

The Chicago Students Union is also trying to get students registered to vote. Primary elections are scheduled to take place in November and February.

Kudos to these youth for standing up for their rights!

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