Speak Up For Students Rally

As reported in Livermore Vine and Patch, nearly 300 community members, educators, students, and advocates gathered with us at Livermorium Plaza to raise their voices for students and public education. Organized in partnership with Livermore Indivisible, the rally focused on urgent issues, including LGBTQIA+ protections, immigrant family rights, and the preservation of the U.S. Department of Education.

A powerful lineup of educators, students, and local leaders spoke about the vital role of federal funding in ensuring inclusive, high-quality education. Livermore City Council member Kristie Wang shared her personal story as a first-generation student whose education was made possible by ESL programs, the child nutrition program, and Pell grants. Dr. Steven Drouin, a school board trustee, education professor, and parent, highlighted the direct impact of federal funding on local schools. Christiaan VandenHeuvel, a fellow trustee and immigrant who learned English as an adult, spoke about how his experiences fuel his commitment to ensuring every student has the resources to succeed. Evan Paradise, a Senior at LHS and the President of the Pride Club who identifies as transgender and non-binary, said students are experiencing more hateful behavior at school. He spoke about the increasing difficulty of focusing during class due to the escalating attacks on LGBTQIA+ people.