Teachers take part

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Three teachers wearing red UTLA t-shirts came to the march by train.

Eugenia Melendez, 34, a math teacher at Franklin High School, carried a cardboard sign that said ‘Stop Family Separation’ -- a big issue at her school.

‘I came from a family of immigrants and most of our students have arrived here illegally,’ said Melendez, who was born and raised in Ecuador and is now a citizen.’By showing our support, we tell those kids that they should not be afraid of where they came from.’

Another teacher, Estela Donlucas, 34, the magnet coordinator at Franklin High School said last year’s march changed how schools discussed immigration with their students. ‘The schools are doing a better job on lesson planning on issues like immigration,’ Donlucas said. ‘At my school, for example, my pricnipal is very good about opening up the auditorium, so kids have an appropriate place to voice their opinions.’

-Carla Rivera