Teachers union hosts Portland ‘walk-in’ to protest Department of Education layoffs

PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) - The National Education Association called for "walk-ins" across the country Wednesday, March 19. The NEA represents about 3 million educators nationwide, including teachers in the Portland Education Association.

This call to action draws attention to recent changes within the U.S. Department of Education. Last week, roughly 1,300 employees were laid off, eliminating nearly half of the department’s workforce.

President Donald Trump previously proposed eliminating the department, but his press secretary said earlier this month the president would not sign an executive order to do that. Dismantling the Department of Education would require congressional approval.

The “walk-ins” invited members of school communities to gather in protest and show their lawmakers they demand protection for their schools.

In Portland, educators, parents and students gathered with signs at Deering High School and Rowe Elementary, where they listened to speakers before marching into the school together.

“As a kid, I don’t really know a lot about the government, but what I do know is that right now, they’re trying to take money away from schools,” said EJ, a fourth-grade student. “I think we should stand together and let them know this is something we don’t want to happen.”

Dozens of people cheered for EJ as she finished speaking. In the crowd were Rowe Elementary School parents Audrey Bartholomew and Lara Rosen.

“To see our community come together, the students with their signs, parents, teachers -- those are the things we want to keep going. Like we said, it’s not just a moment but a movement,” Bartholomew said.

“It’s really critical that we all stand up and say that we need public education and resources to be able to have our kids be great members of their community,” Rosen said.

Many people in attendance drew specific attention to the impact more layoffs or a cut in funding could have on special education. Bartholomew worries that would be “disastrous.”

Others held signs calling out Sen. Susan Collins. The “walk-ins” were deliberately scheduled for March 19 because Congress is now on recess and elected officials are returning to their home districts.

Bartholomew is calling for leadership. Rosen wants Collins to stand up for the children in her community.

Representatives from the Portland Education Association who spoke before the walk said more walk-ins will be planned. The PEA did not organize walk-ins district-wide; building representatives at Deering and Rowe chose to participate.

The Portland Public School district was not involved.

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