Newark Mayor Ras Baraka made education a keystone of his mayoral campaign. Since his election, the state has proceeded with implementation of the controversial “One Newark” plan, while Baraka supported a boycott of Newark Schools in opposition to this plan.
This fall, Baraka has written to President Obama to demand intervention, calling the One Newark plan “disruptive and illegal” and declaring that Newark students “are being deprived of the right to a thorough and efficient education as guaranteed by the New Jersey State Constitution.” (full text: Ras-Baraka-Letter-to-Obama). He has also written to NJ’s Acting Commissioner of Education to demand intervention, under the state’s ESEA waiver, at Barringer High School, which Baraka toured and found wanting in several serious ways. (full text: Letter-to-Commissioner-Hespe).
Where do things stand now for Newark and its schools? What’s next? Listen via TuneIn, Dec. 18, 11 a.m. Eastern.
New Jersey educator Terry Moore and DC-area professor, and national activist, Denisha Jones join the discussion for BUS (BadAss Teachers, United Opt Out, Save Our Schools March) Thursday.
The Education Town Hall broadcasts from Historic Anacostia in Washington, DC, Thursdays at 11 Eastern on We Act Radio. Listen live via TuneIn. Shows are archived for convenient listening shortly after broadcast.
Education Town Hall Forum 