As President Obama was preparing to speak to American students, education leaders stood outside the Department of Education to protest the administration’s decision to deny D.C. students quality educational opportunities.
The protestors, led by former councilmember Kevin Chavous and parent activist Virginia Walden Ford, expected to be arrested as they approached federal security officers at the building’s entrance. After a 30-minute standoff, the protestors were given word that someone in the administration had given word that they were not to be arrested, perhaps hoping to avoid drawing any more attention to the protest.
Former Councilmember Chavous then delivered a rousing speech to the dozens of parents and other supporters who had cheered them on: “Each and every child is entitled to equal access to the American Dream. Each and every child is entitled to a high quality education. And it is shameful if we give them anything less. That is the last civil-rights challenge for our country. That is why I stand here. That’s why those of who are here before you dedicate our lives to this cause. That’s why you don’t have to arrest us, because we ain’t going nowhere.”
— Dan Lips is senior policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation.