Bell Gardens : Student Protest Turns Into Letter-Writing Campaign
Bell Gardens High School students have written more than 900 letters to legislators and congressmen urging more funding for schools and their financially strapped Montebello Unified School District, which last month had to make $9 million in budget cuts affecting jobs, services and programs.
During the budget cutting process, about 2,000 protesting students from Bell Gardens High staged two walkouts--one peaceful, the other erupting in violence. Students decided to take their message to legislators by initiating a letter-writing campaign two weeks ago.
“It’s taking what was a negative experience and turning it into a positive experience,” said John McNichols, director of student activities at Bell Gardens High. McNichols said students, in their letters, also warned politicians they would receive no votes in upcoming elections if they fail to support more funding for education.
The letter-writing campaign is a first at the high school. Postage is being funded by the student body organization.
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