Georgetown College’s Student–Run Newspaper
April 11, 2018
Students, teachers, supporters rally at Capitol for education reform By BAILEE BOGGESS A&E Editor On Monday, April 2, teachers from all over the state came to Frankfort to protest the latest updates to the pension bill. According to reports from the Kentucky State Police, there were around 3,000 protesters in attendance. Other sources have reported upwards of 12,000 protesters. Many schools across the state were closed for spring break, but those who were not closed for the brreak were closed due to the massive amount of teachers that took a sick day in order to protest. It was considered monumental, as it is a rarity that all schools in the state would be closed at the same time for something other than inclement weather or a holiday. The day began as teachers marched a half mile course down and around Capitol Ave. After that, they went inside the capitol building and began to line the walls with some even going up to the bal-
Inside
this issue
Volume CXXXVIII Issue 9
conies. Some described it as a “sea of red,” as the teachers have adopted red as their color of choice for shirts, posters and other things. Protesters came for different reasons, a common one being financial–related concerns. Funding for schools has always been a concern among many in the public education system. Chris Harmer, chairman of the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools – Louisville, said that “Money for the centers and other support services is key to addressing inequities in education,” and “If we’re going to move toward equity in education, we need full funding” (Courier Journal). Stephanie Winkler, President of the Kentucky Education Association, told the Courier Journal, “If [lawmakers] don’t pass a budget that protects the public services of Kentucky, if they don’t pass a budget that provides adequate funding for the public schools of the Commonwealth, then we’re going to vote them out.” With the upcoming elec-
tions in November, many teachers are openly expressing their dissatisfaction with representatives from their counties as well as leaders like Gov. Bevin. However, Attorney General Andy Beshear has retained a positive reputation among protesters due to his plans to sue over the pension legislation (Courier Journal) Many Georgetown College students went to protest, including students within the education department. Abby Eads, a senior elementary education major, said, “I do not think that Matt Bevin understands what a powerful and special role that educators play in our world and society. I protested not only for my future career and students, but also for the current and previous educators that have taught before me.” Prior to the events on Monday, protesters had been flowing in and out of Frankfort since the Thursday before. Chanting and signs could be seen and heard on Good Friday, even though many
Students sponser bake sale to promote equal pay
Georgetown names new men’s soccer head coach
page 2
page 5
Source: Abby Eads
Left to right: Abby Eads, Shelby Douthett, Micah Fruth, Amanda Brown, Ciara Mears, Mikayla Gray and Caroline Pinson, Georgetown education students, rally at the Capitol. government officials were not there. These protests are also in line with others in different states including Oklahoma and West Virginia. After the protests in Frankfort, many teachers and their supporters found solace online. Posts are circulating on many social media sites, with Facebook being the most common. Different groups have been created, both secret and not, to help facilitate discussion and promote a call-to-
action among citizens. Nema Brewer, a Fayette County school employee and former GC student, started the KY 120 United group which now has over 42,000 members. She told the Courier Journal, “Right now, we’re trying to get everybody’s ducks in a row.” There have been rumors that another mass protest will happen this Friday, but nothing has been confirmed as of now (Courier Journal).
“Fortnite” isn’t as annoying as it seems
Opinion: Kentuckians are too mean to eachother page 11
page 8