Communities across the nation are gearing up for a unified day of action on Wednesday, March 19, as the National Education Association (NEA) and its allies organize school walk-in events to advocate for the protection of public schools, students, and families.

The "Walk-In to Protect Our Students and Families" initiative aims to demonstrate to elected leaders the widespread support for vital educational programs and protections.

These walk-ins are described as positive collective actions intended to build solidarity among neighbors and school employees, showcasing the power of community action. Typically, participants, including parents, educators, students, neighbors, and community leaders, will gather in front of their local schools 30-45 minutes before the school day begins. These gatherings will involve rallies and brief speeches highlighting the community's needs for their schools, culminating in everyone walking into the school together. While walk-ins can serve various purposes, the March 19th event is specifically focused on showing lawmakers a united front in the demand to protect schools and communities.

The timing of the nationwide walk-in coincides with Congress going on recess, providing an opportune moment for constituents to communicate directly with their elected officials. The NEA is encouraging its state and local affiliates to participate in spreading awareness about these walk-ins to collectively safeguard public education.

West Seattle Schools Join the National Movement

Locally, schools in West Seattle are actively participating in the national walk-in. A reminder has been issued for a Walk-In event in West Seattle tomorrow morning, March 19, from 7:15 to 7:35 in front of the school. Participants are encouraged to wear "Red for Ed" in a show of solidarity. This event, organized in conjunction with the NEA, is a protest against potential cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and a demonstration of support for public schools and students who would be significantly affected by any reduction or elimination of federal funding.

The West Seattle announcement highlights the potential impact on Washington State, noting that the state receives $296.1 million in IDEA funding, $306.6 million in Title 1 Funding, and $469 million in Pell grants and Career and Technical Education grants. Organizers fear that cuts to these areas would not only harm students but could also lead to the loss of employment for approximately 6,000 staff statewide. Attendees are welcome to bring school-appropriate signs emphasizing support for students and families. Notably, Representative Pramila Jayapal’s office has contacted the organizers, suggesting a possible appearance at the West Seattle event. Other schools in the West Seattle area, including Pathfinder and West Seattle High School, are also reportedly holding events.

Nationwide Concerns Over Potential Education Cuts

The national effort underscores concerns that decisions made in Washington, D.C., have significant consequences at the local level. The NEA emphasizes that students with disabilities and those from low-income families are particularly vulnerable to cuts in essential programs. The organization asserts that public education funding and programs like Medicaid are at risk, potentially being redirected to fund tax cuts.The nationwide walk-ins serve as a collective message to elected leaders that communities are united in opposition to such measures.

Walk-ins in Ballard and Burien and similar events are happening across the country and within the greater Seattle area. Organizers encourage individuals to check for local events and even consider hosting their own, providing resources and support for successful walk-ins.

The NEA views March 19th as a crucial moment to send a powerful message of unity.  The initiative encourages participants to share their events online using the hashtag #protectstudents.

Following the March 19th events, the NEA intends to continue its efforts to protect public schools through ongoing action and engagement.