Democracy Takes a Stand Outside Central Bucks East
Kaethe Zemach-Bersin, artist of many of the signs. Photo credit: Marc
Veteran teachers in CB know the meaning of the term “town hall.” It means a lecture by an administrator, where any questions or comments from the audience may mean being called into their principal’s office the next day for a stern take-down, with possible future repercussions such as teaching a schedule split between two buildings.
While that was going on indoors, a whole lot of people gathered to protest and to express their support for teachers teaching freely and without fear AND for our LGBTQ kids, and all our kids, who want teachers who can guide and mentor them in a safe classroom where learning can happen.
As Mrs. Hunter remarked at a recent school board meeting, teachers want to get back to teaching. Which, it must be pointed out, they have been doing right along, through a pandemic, through unprecedented community vitriol, through blame, accusation, hideous name-calling, conspiracy-theorizing, and extreme contempt. And which, it also must be noted, Mrs. Hunter and her five allies on the board have politicized by passing policy 321.
Who were these 150 people, you ask? Teachers from all three high schools and most of our middle schools; community members; retired teachers; local activists; parents; students; local residents who have chosen not to send their kids to CB because of the madness.
As the people chatted and hugged and rejoiced in their solidarity against fear and ignorance, cars drove past and honked to signal their support. Democracy takes a stand and finds its voice.
It sounds like chants: “321, over and done!” “This is what unity looks like!” “We stand for all the kids!” “Let teachers teach!”
CB Admin and Board 6: the people are standing and the people are speaking. Are you listening?
