Update: Education Not Arms March 11th Protest at School Board

Education Not Arms Update

Students from Mission Bay and Lincoln High School continue to organize and protest the tracking of students into JROTC courses, as well as the existence of weapons training facilities on school grounds. Two students and one parent spoke during the public testimony portion of the March 11th school board meeting and about forty students protested in front of the building. Alex Velarde, a Lincoln High School student, spoke of being misled when enrolled in JROTC and forced to remain in the program until the end of the semester. Petitions with 1000 signatures were given to the board. There was an indication from some board members that they were willing
to put the issue on their agenda in the future. However, more pressure may be needed and activists intend to continue organizing. Petitions continue to circulate and supporters can sign at Chicana Perk Cafe (129 25th Street in San Diego) or downlaod a petition from projectyano.org/educationnotarms (There is a return mail address on the petitions). Also, there will be outreach efforts taking place at a number of upcoming events, including this Saturday's anti-war rally in City Heights... new volunteers are welcome and appreciated! E-mail info is linked from the website. Photo gallery: projectyano.org/educationnotarms/March08protest.html