Members of the Unit Five Education Association teachers union gathered in the fishbowl atrium on March 19 as part of a nationwide “Walk-In” demonstration to advocate for public education funding.

Wearing red and carrying signs, UFEA members joined thousands of educators nationwide in the National Education Association-organized “Walk-In to Protect Our Students and Families,” a coordinated show of support for public schools held before the start of the school day. The NEA, the country’s largest labor union with roughly 3 million members, advocates for public education and the rights of education professionals.

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Photo Courtesy of: Mrs. Ashley-Durdan Levy

According to organizers, the action aimed to highlight concerns over proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education. UFEA representatives said such cuts could impact federal programs like Title I, IDEA and Head Start, which support low-income students and those with disabilities.

Roughly 10% of Unit 5’s funding comes from the federal government. UFEA members warned that losing this support could lead to the elimination of more than 100 staff positions across the district, primarily in roles that support the most vulnerable students.

The walk-in took place one day before President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.

 The order, issued March 20, shifts responsibility for educational oversight to states and local communities, aiming to “restore decision-making to parents and local leaders,” according to the White House.

The timing of the March 19 demonstration coincided with the start of Congress’ recess, a period when lawmakers return to their home districts. 

UFEA members said the walk-in was intended to send a message to elected officials about the local impact of federal education decisions.

The Inkspot spoke with several staff members who participated in the demonstration.

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Lyra Townsend

Ms. Amy Scott said the potential loss of federal funding, which makes up about 10% of Unit 5’s budget, threatens equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities and those from low-income households. The demonstration, Scott said, was to ensure that “all students, even students with disabilities or low income students, have an equal opportunity to have an education and to be successful.”