Los Angeles, CA, USA
On January 25, 2022, a coalition of education advocates, parents, and lawmakers gathered outside Los Angeles Unified School District’s headquarters to demand increased funding for public schools, particularly in underserved communities. The rally, dubbed “Equity for Education,” came at a critical time when public schools across California are grappling with funding shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ learning outcomes.
The rally was sparked by a report released by the California Department of Education, which revealed that public school funding has not kept pace with inflation or the growing needs of California’s diverse student population. Despite the state’s overall budget surplus, public schools in many parts of the state, especially in low-income areas, continue to struggle with outdated facilities, inadequate resources, and teacher shortages.
Among the key figures at the rally was Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, a strong advocate for equitable school funding. “The future of our state is tied to the education of our children, yet too many of our schools are underfunded and undervalued,” Jones-Sawyer said. “We cannot continue to ignore the needs of students in communities that have been historically marginalized.”
Also present was Los Angeles Teacher’s Union President, Cecily Myart-Cruz, who has been outspoken about the challenges faced by educators during the pandemic. “Teachers have been asked to do more with less for far too long,” Myart-Cruz said. “Our students deserve classrooms that are safe, supportive, and well-equipped, and that starts with adequate funding.”
The issue of equitable funding for public schools has been a long-standing challenge in California. Despite being one of the wealthiest states in the nation, California ranks near the bottom in per-student spending. The state’s funding formula, which allocates money based on local property taxes, has resulted in vast disparities between wealthy and low-income school districts. In areas like East Los Angeles and rural Northern California, schools are often forced to rely on private donations and fundraising events just to cover basic needs.
In response to the rally, Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the state’s funding challenges and promised to prioritize education in the coming budget. “We are committed to ensuring that every student in California has access to a quality education, regardless of their zip code,” Newsom said in a statement. “This is not just about money; it’s about making sure that we are investing in the future of our state.”
However, many parents and education advocates remain skeptical about the governor’s promises. “We’ve heard the same rhetoric for years,” said Maria Lopez, a mother of two and community organizer. “We need action, not just talk. Our kids can’t wait any longer.”
As California’s schools continue to face mounting challenges, the rally highlighted the urgent need for systemic change in how the state funds education. Without significant reforms, the achievement gap between affluent and low-income students will likely continue to grow, leaving many students without the resources they need to succeed. The “Equity for Education” rally serves as a stark reminder that for California to truly fulfill its potential, it must ensure that every child has access to a high-quality, equitable education.
