SC for Ed Enough is Enough Protest Rally

1100 Gervais Street,Columbia SC 29208

17 May, 2021

Description

Please choose one of our three Columbia locations or your local district office to protest treatment of school staff members in SC. It is time for teachers, school staff, and allies of public schools to speak with one voice by taking time to protest. SC for Ed representatives plan to be at locations near the State House, Department of Education, and Governor’s Mansion from 9 AM to 4 PM on Monday, May 17. We encourage you to protest during that time at either one of those locations or at your local district office. Please wear masks, socially distance, and follow all safety regulations. We do not recommend that unvaccinated individuals engage in public protests, but we do encourage you to take that time to contact your school boards, the Governor’s office, and the Superintendent’s office. Governor McMaster’s executive order repealing mask ordinances, and Superintendent Spearman’s decision to drop the statewide school mask order, are the last in a long line of abuses of school staff by our state leaders, including: The governor’s attempt to use CARES funding intended for public schools, for the benefit of private schools, in violation of the constitution. The governor’s repeated attempts to pit the interests of public schools against those of senior citizens and others. Formal evaluations of schools staff during a global pandemic. The requirement of teachers to return to work before having the option of being vaccinated. The unnecessary freezing of teacher salary steps. The repeated interference in the decision-making of local school boards in matters of public safety throughout the 2020-21 school year. The unconstitutional attempt by the governor to give millions of dollars in public funds to private schools, funds which could have been used for proper PPE. The constant scapegoating of teachers and school staff by elected officials. The requirement that teachers, without adequate preparation, teach remotely and virtually at the same time. Delayed access by teachers and school staff to PPE, along with inadequate PPE. The lack of extra supports to help students or teachers with mental health. The loss of almost 7,000 of our colleagues to attrition this school year, making the job even more difficult.