Hundreds of high school and college students in Los Angeles participated in a large-scale protest demanding increased mental health support within California’s public schools. The protest, organized by the California Student Mental Health Coalition, took place outside the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) headquarters and drew attention to the mounting mental health challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protest was led by student leaders such as 17-year-old Maya Gonzalez, president of the California Student Mental Health Coalition, and included speeches, chants, and the delivery of a petition to the LAUSD Board of Education. “Students are struggling, and the system isn’t doing enough to help us,” Gonzalez said during her speech. “We need more counselors, more mental health resources, and better access to support services. Our well-being can’t wait.”
Students from across the state have been raising alarm over the inadequate mental health resources available in public schools, citing long wait times for counseling appointments, the lack of trained mental health professionals on campuses, and the overall stigma surrounding mental health discussions. According to a recent survey conducted by the California Department of Education, 40% of students report struggling with anxiety or depression, yet only 20% of schools have enough counselors to meet the demand.
The rally also featured prominent advocates for mental health, including Dr. Sarah Lee, a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health, who spoke about the increasing mental health crises among students. “The pandemic has made things worse, but the truth is, mental health issues among youth have been on the rise for years,” Dr. Lee said. “The lack of resources and access to professional support is preventing students from receiving the help they need.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has previously supported mental health initiatives for students, was urged by protestors to allocate more funding for mental health services in public schools, particularly in underserved areas. The students are calling for a significant increase in funding for school mental health programs, the hiring of more counselors, and the integration of mental health education into the school curriculum to reduce stigma and promote awareness.
In response to the protest, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho expressed support for students’ concerns and promised to explore ways to improve mental health services across the district. “Our students’ mental health is a priority,” Carvalho said in a statement. “We are committed to finding solutions and ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.”
While the protest underscored the frustration of students and mental health advocates, it also highlighted the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis within California’s schools. As the state grapples with these challenges, it is clear that providing comprehensive, accessible mental health care in schools is crucial to the well-being of the next generation. With student voices leading the charge, the hope is that California’s policymakers will take meaningful steps to ensure mental health support is an integral part of the educational experience.
