SAC: McClatchy High School Student Protest

Student protest planned Friday, May 4 at 3:30 p.m. at McClatchy High School because school officials imposed burdens on the students who were planning their annual Cinco de Mayo event.

Open Letter describing the situation:

May 2, 2007
Dear Community,

We feel it necessary to inform you, our community that we the students of McClatchy High School have voted to cancel an event that is very important and special to us. For generations the 5 de Mayo assembly has been an event that we have taken great pride in organizing to ensure that it be presented in a dignified and respectful manner.
This year our planning began very much the same as any other. Students and teachers organized, arrangements were made to use the school auditorium and we set forth to continue this long standing tradition.
Two weeks ago we were informed that we did not have access to our school auditorium because the space was being used for a drama production that would be held on May 10 th and the stage was needed for large props and dress rehearsals. We were presented with other venues instead which we thought were unacceptable. They were the gym and outside. We did not feel that these spaces were appropriate for an educational event. This decision by the administration sent the message that our event was not valued. We were saddened that from the initial decision making process, no one remembered that 5 de Mayo was our day to showcase and educate our school and community about our culture. Both our teacher club sponsors and we the students met with school administration to "negotiate" but were presented with patronizing suggestions including the use of half of the stage and the floor below the auditorium.
We have collectively decided to sacrifice this year's 5 de Mayo show to protest in front of McClatchy High School on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 3:30 in a Day of Recognition. Please join us in support and solidarity.

Cinco de Mayo Student Committee