Hundreds of teachers and students rallied Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles against planned cuts in funding to L.A. Unified adult education programs.
Demonstrators say they’re shocked that L.A. Unified officials would suggest eliminating adult education programs to overcome a massive budget shortfall. They contend that cuts would shortchange immigrants and low-income students who depend on adult education for job training.
Protesters packed the intersection near Evans Community Adult School. That campus offers free or low-cost classes in English as a second language, computer skills and U.S. citizenship.
Officials may close the school along with dozens of other adult programs next academic year.
Motorists honked in support as demonstrators marched with picket signs that read “Enough Is Enough” and “Free education is not a Hollywood dream.”
L.A. Unified Superintendent John Deasy says the district may have to cut adult education and other areas to protect its kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms.