ALBANY, N.Y. (AP & WXXI News) — New York's public education advocates were marching together in communities throughout the state Saturday to gain the attention of federal and state authorities.
Marches were held in Rochester, Schenectady, Kingston, New York City, Syracuse, and Wyandanch.
In Rochester, organizers say the march kicked off with a rally at the Liberty Pole, including speeches from students, teachers and community advocates, before continuing several blocks down Main Street to the Rochester City School District Central Office on Broad St.
Parents, students and teachers are calling for funding increases and investments in minority, English Language Learner and LGBT students.
Advocacy group Alliance for Quality Education says proposals from Republican President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and funding proposals in Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo's budget, threaten public schools' ability to provide quality learning environments.
Marchers are also calling for free college tuition, designating schools as sanctuaries that will not aid federal officials in detaining or deporting students, and measures to keep young people out of the prison system.
