In a passionate address at the St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, the president of the local educators' association announced a significant protest planned for March 19. This demonstration, dubbed a "walk-in," aims to rally educators, parents, students, and community members against recent federal layoffs at the Department of Education, which have raised concerns about the future of public education.

The president emphasized the critical role of the Department of Education in safeguarding students' rights and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children, regardless of their background. With nearly half of the federal workforce at the Department laid off, the association is mobilizing to send a clear message: the community will not stand idly by as the foundations of public education are threatened.

Participants are encouraged to gather outside schools before the start of the school day, wearing red to symbolize their commitment to education. The event is designed to be non-disruptive, with educators prepared to fulfill their teaching responsibilities immediately afterward. The president acknowledged that while not all staff may be able to participate due to essential duties, they can still show solidarity by wearing red.

This protest is framed as the beginning of a broader movement to advocate for public education and hold lawmakers accountable for their decisions. The association's leadership is committed to ongoing efforts to protect educational resources and ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. The message is clear: the fight for public education is far from over, and the community stands united in its resolve to defend it.