by Love and Rage

UTICA – Amid growing criticism in response to Governor Cuomo’s proposed education reforms, the Alliance for Quality Education in New York, as per their #WeCantWait campaign, is organizing a rally and march in Downtown Utica on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5th.

(Click for larger image)

Also joining will be teachers, teachers associations, students, parents, activists and other local public education advocates who will be gathering to voice their concerns over the governor’s proposals which include funding increases for charter schools, the mitigation of local power through third-party teacher evaluations, forcing mergers among smaller, rural districts and weakening due process among others.

While strong opposition is growing statewide, locally the area has seen recent demonstrations already, protests during a visit by the governor, as well as meetings with Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi as well as open letters published by local activists.

Today’s rally will start at 4 PM at the Oneida Square roundabout on Genesee Street in Utica. Those gathered will then march to the State Office Building at 501 Genesee Street where speeches will be given by Assemblyman Brindisi among others.

Attendees are advised to dress for the weather.

For more information, follow the link to the Facebook event page.