Michigan Education Justice Coalition

Certain politicians are trying to drain public resources for schemes that will enrich their campaign donors and themselves. Every single child deserve a world-class education that sets them up for a bright future. Opting out of voucher and tax credit schemes is essential to protecting funding, equity, and accountability for every student.

Join our info session tomorrow to learn about the racist history of vouchers, how they could impact Michigan, and ways you can help keep public dollars in public schools.

https://actionnetwork.org/events/opt-out-michigan-no-vouchers-public-information-session/

Opt-Out, Michigan! No Vouchers Phone Banking Call Michigan community members to fight vouchers in Michigan!

This week, the Justice Department released a memo that attacks civil rights protections for people with disabilities. The memo argues that states do not have to provide community-based or in-home care to people with disabilities who need support: "This interpretation will open the doors for states to revert to warehousing people with disabilities out of sight and out of mind in institutions."

"Without the federal government requiring that states provide these services – to help disabled people integrate into their communities – advocates and legal experts warn that cash-strapped states could cut them and return to what was once common practice: de facto segregation of Americans with disabilities in nursing homes and large institutions."

DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization The Justice Department's opinion challenges civil rights protections that have long treated the institutionalization of disabled Americans as a last resort.

Happy Juneteenth, everyone! We are honoring the legacy of today by fighting for equity in education ✊🏽

Trump and DeVos' federal voucher scheme aims to re-segregate schools by race and income. Vouchers were born after segregation was outlawed by Brown v. Board, and they still reflect a deeply rooted resistance to equity.

To read more: https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/racist-beginnings-school-vouchers

School boards matter now more than ever. Public education is facing threats at every level, so we need people in these positions who are going to defend our kids and our future. Join us and Great Lakes Political Academy - Leadership, Education, and Development for a training to give parents, educators, caregivers, and advocates tools to win their local race. If you might be interested in running, this is for you ✊🏽

https://actionnetwork.org/events/june-intro-to-running-for-school-board/

Vouchers have been rejected by Michiganders multiple times. The 'Gander Newsroom is doing an incredible job of reporting on this issue. Check out some of their articles in the comments below!

Right now, budget negotiations are happening in Lansing that will shape the future of Michigan schools for years to come. Legislators might make the budgets, but we have the power to shape where OUR money goes.

Take action with us! Demand that a budget is passed by June 30, and that it helps at-risk students get the resources they need, adopts the MI Blueprint for special education, and rejects the House proposal that would cut billions from the School Aid Fund 👊🏾

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/michigan-communities-demand-full-sustainable-public-school-funding/

AI became integrated into classrooms so rapidly that most people didn't have time to think about what the consequences would be. Kudos to every teacher who is taking steps to mitigate the negative effects ✊🏽

"Recent polling and studies have revealed that an increasing number of teens across the US are becoming skeptical, and even frustrated, about AI. Alongside their parents, some are even channeling their growing frustration around the technology—and the lack of accountability from Big Tech CEOs when AI is misused—by working with state and federal lawmakers to advocate for legislative change.

Weingarten is also demanding that the federal government develop AI safety research and teacher training programs, as well as a 'Big Tech Tax' that forces companies whose products cause harm to pay for damages."

https://gandernewsroom.com/news/education/michigan-teacher-resorts-to-old-school-methods-to-combat-rising-ai-use-among-students/

The 'Gander Newsroom

The state budget process is in full swing, and things aren't looking good. This is a critical time to push our lawmakers to fully and equitably funded public education.

We need a budget passed by June 30 that:
✔️ Helps at-risk students get the resources they need
✔️ Adopts the MI Blueprint for special education
✔️ Rejects the House proposal that would cut billions from the School Aid Fund

We cannot let wealthy interests win in Michigan. We need money for schools, not tax breaks for billionaires. Take action to demand that they fund public schools fully and equitably: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/michigan-communities-demand-full-sustainable-public-school-funding

States with vouchers provide us with good information about how these programs operate in reality. Most students who use vouchers already attended private schools before they received them. Rather than creating opportunity or “choice”, voucher programs:
🔺 Subsidize tuition for wealthy families who can already afford private schools.
🔺 Drain resources from public schools.
🔺 Shift costs to working families and communities.
🔺 Increase inequality between communities and school districts.

Help keep Michigan voucher-free:

Opt-Out, Michigan! No Vouchers Phone Banking Call Michigan community members to fight vouchers in Michigan!

As the June 15th DACA anniversary nears, now is the time to join youth allies from around the country to demand a pathway to citizenship that keeps our families, workforces, and communities intact and strengthens our economy!

https://www.mobilize.us/unitedwedream/event/951122/

United We Dream

Interest Form: Host a Letter Writing Gathering for your Neighbors! ✍️ · United We Dream Network Immigrant or not, working people in this country struggle to take care of their families -- rent, childcare, gas, groceries and more are at higher costs than ever before. Administrative DACA delays are putting our neighbors at risk of losing their jobs, and our government wages wars abroad using our...