It was a sea of pink outside Santa Maria High School on March 13 when teachers, students, administrators, and their supporters gathered in protest over budget cuts to state educational funding.
The demonstration, which organizers said attracted more than 1,000 people, was just one of many “Pink Friday” rallies across the state to protest Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s budget cuts, which resulted in a recent wave of lay-offs at local schools.
Protesters wore pink shirts—in commiseration for the pink slips handed to teachers—with “48th” emblazoned on the back, referring to the fact that California is ranked 48th in the nation for per capita spending for students.
Motorists honked in a show of support as the crowed marched up Broadway to City Hall and back carrying signs with phrases like “Got Teachers?” and “Stand Up For Schools.”
Pioneer Valley High School English teacher Lisa Walters was emotional at the outpouring of support as she watched the crowd gather.
“I’m overwhelmed,” she said.
This article appears in Mar 19-26, 2009.