Hundreds of Boston Public Schools students rallied outside Boston City Hall this afternoon after leaving classes early for a “Walk-out to Save Our Public Schools.”

“Why should we come out here and fight for our budgets when we should be sitting in our classrooms and getting a proper education,” Fania Joseph, a 10th grader at Boston Community Leadership Academy, said at the microphone.

It was the second student walk-out in recent months, after a similar protest on March 7. The crowd at today’s student-run protest chanted “Stop the BPS BS” and “When education is under attack, what do we do? Walk out, fight back!” Fliers organizers handed out called on city leaders to stop proposed school budget cuts, to “fully fund our schools,” to not close any schools, and to keep the cap on charter schools.

"Students planned a walk-out twice!" (Greg Cook)
“Students planned a walk-out twice!” (Greg Cook)

“All I’m seeing my whole life is this thing going down, down, down,” Jane Bernadeau, a junior at Boston Day and Evening Academy, said at the microphone. “There’s a chance if I don’t stand up for what I believe in, I won’t have an education to get.”

Stephen Lafume, a junior at Boston Latin Academy, noted the many students of color in the crowd, and said into the microphone, “By taking away from the budget you support systemic racism.”

Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson had invited people to attend a hearing on school issues at City Hall at 2 p.m. He mingled with the crowd outside. And many students at the rally entered the building to testify.

“I just want to say: Hi, Marty,” Joseph said at the microphone, referring to Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. “We’re waiting for you to come outside.”

BPS Walk-Out to Save Our Public Schools at Boston City Hall Plaza, May 17, 2016. (Greg Cook)
BPS Walk-Out to Save Our Public Schools at Boston City Hall Plaza, May 17, 2016. (Greg Cook)
"A 32% African-American, 41% Hispanic, 14% White & 8% Asian school district doesn't have enough $$ for diplomas. ... End systemic racism." (Greg Cook)
“A 32% African-American, 41% Hispanic, 14% White & 8% Asian school district doesn’t have enough $$ for diplomas. … End systemic racism.” (Greg Cook)
"Quality and equality for all." (Greg Cook)
“Quality and equality for all.” (Greg Cook)
"It's not just my future. It's our future." (Greg Cook)
“It’s not just my future. It’s our future.” (Greg Cook)
"Save our schools." (Greg Cook)
“Save our schools.” (Greg Cook)
"Can't we just get a proper education." (Greg Cook)
“Can’t we just get a proper education.” (Greg Cook)
"Save our school." (Greg Cook)
“Save our school.” (Greg Cook)
"BPS Proud." "Stop high-stakes testing." (Greg Cook)
“BPS Proud.” “Stop high-stakes testing.” (Greg Cook)
"Save our schools." "Cut the shit, Marty." (Greg Cook)
“Save our schools.” “Cut the shit, Marty.” (Greg Cook)
Students from the rally enter City Hall to attend and testify at hearing on school issues. (Greg Cook)
Students from the rally enter City Hall to attend and testify at hearing on school issues. (Greg Cook)
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