BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - A Bartlesville senior organized a walk-out Friday morning and asked local senator Julie Daniels to attend, but the representative's response on social media is garnering some attention.
VIDEO: Student demonstration at Bartlesville High School to raise disagreement with @okgov budget bill that will make cuts to public education. #Oklahoma @KJRH2HD pic.twitter.com/STbPmddwsS
— Gitzel Puente (@gitzelpuenteTV) February 23, 2018
“This is really nothing it's the best I can do to repay them," said Bartlesville High School junior, Aarya Ghonasgi.
A little rain doesn’t bother these three musketeers.
“We’ve had teachers who have had to take up to three jobs and teachers on food stamps," said Ghonasgi.
They’ll brave the raindrops to prove to teachers at home watching it’s time for a change.
“We care about our education," said Bartlesville High School senior, Chloe Maye.
Maye along with her two friends organized a walk-out Friday morning.
“There’s really nothing state legislatures can do but listen to us," Maye said.
Maye created polls on Instagram and Twitter and posted it to Facebook. She asked Senator Julie Daniels to attend.
Daniels commented and said, “I will not participate. I caution you to think carefully about your actions so as not to alienate your supporters and further alienate those who contact me opposing tax increases or with critical views on education.”
“I was a little offended at first, but I believe that this was not meant to alienate anyone this is meant to gain more supporters and show people why we care so much," said Maye.
In 2016, Bartlesville Public Schools eliminated 21 teaching positions and say some of their most experienced and qualified teachers left the state.
The district says it’s unfortunate the legislature hasn’t found a solution to the revenue shortfalls, but it will not endorse Friday’s walk-out. It claims it's a disruption to the school day.
“Something is either going to happen or it’s never going to happen, which is a scary ultimatum," said a Bartlesville High School.
Senator Daniels spoke to 2 Works for You on the phone. She says she doesn't support protests, marches or walk-outs. Daniels claims bring attention to a problem without a resolution.
"Some of the greatest achievements in our history have come from peaceful protests," said Maye.
Rain is expected again Friday morning, but that won’t stop these students from standing up for their education.
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