I’ve been chronicling my battle with the Philadelphia School District, fighting for safer, healthier, cleaner schools. Though I shouldn’t say “my battle,” as I share this battle with thousands of parents, students, teachers, and activists.
A lot has happened since my last post, much of which can be summed up with the updates in a series of investigative articles recently released by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
As my dear friend and fellow advocate, Anna Perng said to me, “Loyalty to school means telling the truth, not covering up toxicity that harms everyone.”
The Inquirer has been working on this story for almost a year – maybe more. This is why we have built coalitions like Philly Healthy Schools Initiative, which will be sharing calls to action in connection with these stories.
The answer is not to pull your children from our public schools. Once the truth is revealed, we have the power to try to do something about it. I’ve done enough research to see that issues like this in schools are not exclusive to urban schools or even to public schools – they are systemic across facilities across the country.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you see something, demand that it be repaired. If you need allies or assistance, reach out to me and I will help steer you in the right direction. We are all in this together.
Take Action Here: Tell Mayor Kenney and City Council: Clean up Philly schools
Ways to make Philadelphia district schools healthier
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