TALLAHASSEE

On the eve of the start of the 2020 legislative session at the Florida state capitol, youth activists with March For Our Lives Florida, a group founded by survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas mass shooting in early 2018, have announced their support of the “Take On Tallahassee” rally for public education organized by the Florida Education Association on Monday, January 12, 2020.

Empowering youth means empowering educators. We stand in solidarity with our educators fighting the same legislature that has failed to keep thousands of young Floridians safe from the gun violence epidemic that grips our state.

Tackling these issues will require a coalition of groups to truly address their intersectional dimensions. We know that gun violence is inextricably bound with the fight against injustices so deeply rooted in American society. Our state ranks among the lowest in terms of teacher pay and student proficiency- a direct result of the crippling of public education from our state legislature.

By passing legislation to arm teachers, our legislature is more concerned with supporting the gun industry than public education. We made it clear- we want books, not bullets. We’re proud to support our educators.

-Alyssa Ackbar, State Organizing Director, March For Our Lives Florida

Teachers from across the state will be rallying at the Florida Capitol against low pay and funding cuts, which disproportionately affect Florida educators. In fact, the state spends almost $1,000 less per public-school student than before the 2008–2009 recession.

For the rally, thousands of teachers will be arriving by the busload to make their voices heard on the day before the 2020 Legislative session begins. For more information, read in-depth coverage here. #FundOurFutureFL

For media inquiries, email israel@mfolflorida.com

For more information on ways you can support youth-led activism against the gun violence epidemic, visit Marchforourlives.com