1986 Student Walk-Outs

CONDITIONS

• over 50% of students were pushed out of school
• they were not taught how to read or write
• had the lowest reading scores in the district
• racist beliefs of the students caused very low expectations of them

ACTIONS

• tens thousand students at 5 schools walked out of their classes to protest the inferior quality of their education
• mass protests with students, student's parents and school officials all included to show that the Chicano Civil Rights have emerged

ACTIONS cont.

• formulated thirty-six demands, including more teachers and councilors, extended library facilities and an end to requiring students to work as janitors. If demands not met, threatening to walkout
• some went on hunger strikes

OBSTACLES

• the police (arresting thirteen involved in a protest)
• the community in general
• the government
• court rulings

ACHIEVEMENTS

• walk-out methods spread across nation
• some demands were met-- more (hispanic) teachers were hired, and academic programs added

ACHIEVEMENTS cont.

• United States of Justice: compelled the school board by-- providing bilingual, bicultural edu., improved testing programs, more cultural celebrations