Zombies dance to protest school closings
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia School District by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Kristen Graham.
Zombies dance to protest school closings
Kristen Graham
The music began, and the zombies lurched to life, moving together to the strains of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Behind them, students held up signs: “RIP Philly’s Schools.”
Dozens of youth — members of the organizing group Philadelphia Student Union — gathered outside the Philadelphia School Distirct’s headquarters on North Broad Street Tuesday to protest a plan to close 37 city schools in June.
The zombies danced for a few minutes, then collapsed in a heap.
“We represent the students affected by the closing plan,” Benjamin Franklin High sophomore Hausim Talbot said later. “Our hopes would be dead.”
District officials have said if they don’t shut schools, they will run out of cash to operate. They estimate the closings will save about $28 million, though that figure doesn’t factor in transition and startup costs for the next school year.
Talbot, 15, reiterated a call for a moratorium on school closings. The Philadelphia Student Union is part of Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools, a group that’s developed an alternative plan for keeping schools open.
That plan relies largely on successfully lobbying for huge increases in state aid.
South Philadelphia High senior Chris Riley said he understands the district says it’s in bad shape.
“But if this happens, it’s a destroyed future,” Riley said. “If you don’t have education, you can’t get a job.”
District officials have said that closings would allow them to funnel more resources into surviving schools, but the students were skeptical.
Amijah Townsend, her mouth darkened by red makeup, said that priorities needed to be shifted.
“There is money to be used,” said Townsend, 16. “It’s in the state budget, but it’s not being prioritized for students.”
(My colleague Ron Tarver shot video at the event, which we'll post when it's available.)
Good grades and a strong PTA/community presence makes a far more compelling argument for keeping a school open than dressing up like zombies and dancing.— kjuggs77- Sadly, the SRC and Doctor Hite don't care about those things, so you might as well do whatever you can to bring public attention to your cause. Good for you, kids.
- Actually, the lyrics really suit:
'Cause this is thriller, thriller night
Girl, I can thrill you more than any ghost would ever dare try
Thriller, thriller night
So let me hold you tight and share a killer, thriller, ow!
See?— BudSelig_isthenext_MrBurns - was this during school hours? I am glad those kids really care about their eduMacation.— wolfburn
- welp, looks like the flash mobs are coming back— franknbeans
- We live in a reality TV world. People used to do what needed to be done and adjusted their lives. Today, everyone needs a stage and has to have their voice heard.— Phillies2008WSChamps
- I'm proud of these students! They are fighting for their futures & the futures of students who will come after them. UP with the students! DOWN with the closings! Get em, PSU!— mew82
- Bravo to these demonstrating students who are using their first amendment right of of free speech and petition to voice their objections to the closing of 37 schools. The "zombie dance" is a perfect symbol of what they see happening to their education and the education of their younger sibling.
Of course the racists will make fun of them.— Gendres - I should add....their right of peaceful assembly. This was a well organized, peaceful and very creative demonstration.
Their chant of "No education - No life" is accurate.— Gendres - Perhaps "Good grades and a strong PTA/community presence makes a far more compelling argument," but this created more attention and show cases the creativity and tenacity of Philly kids. Also, the school closings are not based on the above mentioned, they are based solely on money. It didn't matter that some of the schools they are closing are great schools, with a great community, and great learning occurring. It was about the bottom dollar.— hleathe
- And don't they always get the bottom?— brinsley
During the school year, you’ll frequently find her hosting live chats about the district on Philly.com. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.
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