Detroit, Motown, the Motor City...big props to Chrysler for highlighting the city in a recent Superbowl ad. Kudos to Eminem for reppin' the city as well. No words for the the state of Michigan which has mandated that Detroit Public Schools close one-half of the city's schools. The closures will cause overcrowding (imagine 60-student classrooms) and an environment that is in no way conducive to learning. It is unfortunate that in our trying economy one of the few things that give people hope for a future, education, is one of the first things sacrificed in the name of money.
I know the population of Detroit and Michigan has declined over the past few years. Detroit has fewer students, so it is understandable (by those of us who do not live there) that some schools would close. Some schools. It is likely that what is happening in Detroit can and will happen in other metropolitan areas. We should heed the words of John F. Kennedy:
(Click here to read the article in the Detroit News ==> Detroit Cuts Class)
(Click here to see the Superbowl ad==>Imported from Detroit)
Great quote!
ReplyDeleteIt never fails to amaze me that the first things we cut are always the services needed the most-education, health care, social services. "Urban people, minorities, youth, and poor people be damned" seems to be the motto of our government. It is a sad thing that many cannot see beyond the tip of their own noses when it comes to what kind of reform this country really needs. Instead of funding schools that are having issues, they punish them by taking away money or closing them. It makes no sense.