Students still looking for funds
by Lori Barrett | May 16, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Posted in baltimore politics, education
Baltimore City high-school students have been camping in front of City Hall all week, in an effort to get a formal meeting with Mayor Dixon. Last night, they were evicted from their place on the lawn.
The members of Peer to Peer Enterprises — a coalition of student-led organizations — are protesting a lack of city funds for their programs. They have asked Dixon for $3 million to expand their project, but are facing some major resistance.
The money would allow Peer to Peer Enterprises to hire up to 1,000 youths, 10 to 24 years old. The youths would be employed as tutors, coaches, and activity leaders for their peers; an estimated 2,000 to 6,000 students would benefit from their work.
Said a member of the Baltimore Algebra Project, one of the groups involved: “This is students crying out for something that we all think we need, but it’s not being funded, yet they’re looking to solve problems among students. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Dixon’s main argument is that the city hasn’t funded Peer to Peer Enterprises in the past, so it’s not going to start now. She believes that responsibility falls on the school system.
The students have now moved their tents next to the Hollywood Diner. They say they will continue to protest until they are granted a formal meeting with the mayor, and the next step will be a hunger strike. Let’s hope Mayor Dixon can clear a few minutes in her schedule so it doesn’t come to that.
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May 16th, 2008 at 9:03 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Breathtaking.
I can't tell you how important I thin it is for students in THIS city to find their voice. Hell, I may even walk over and join them...or at least bring them a few pizzas...well provided they haven't started the hunger strike thing yet.
Seriously impressed with those kids.
JF
p.s. Lori your reporting hasn't sucked this week. In fact, by my count, you've been the MVP by FAR. Yes, this is my way of saying good job. But don't get comfortable. This too shall end.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:12 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Hey, thanks. Seriously.
I'm off to start my weekend, but I will try to continue not sucking on Monday. Hopefully I am successful.