LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Middle school and high school students visited the Capitol today to advocate for an inclusive curriculum, expanded funding, and to protest banning books. The group of students prepared for months to speak with lawmakers, writing poems and speeches to share with them. One of the adult leaders, Imani Clark, is a lead youth organizer with the Michigan Education Justice Coalition. She said the students were excited to make the trip.
However, the Representatives canceled session in the House and meetings with the students.
“The House session was actually cancelled, and they cannot attend our rally. Instead, they went to meet with their own constituents. So we already made the plans to be here. Our students have been doing this for months.” Clark said. “What we started off was something very small, something that was a student-led action, but it’s grown into this, this big movement.”
Some students shared their favorite quotes from books that have been banned in some schools, while others used the moment to advocate for funding to improve school lunches, improve student mental health, and expand access to school libraries. Even without lawmakers, the students say it was a great experience visiting the Capitol, participating in a rally, and meeting other students passionate about advocacy.
