Speakers at Ann Beers ES on Jan. 19 at 3 pm will include AFT President Randi Weingarten, Ward 7 City Councilmember Vincent Gray, Rev. Graylan Hagler, WTU President Elizabeth Davis, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and others.

You and I believe that all children have the right to an education that helps them reach their full potential. We believe our leaders should commit to first-class public education for all-with schools that welcome students of all backgrounds, identities, origins and abilities. That's the vision of opportunity and democracy our public schools stand for.

But that vision is threatened by the policies of President-elect Trump and his nominee for secretary of education, Betsy DeVos. They seek to end public education as we know it. Meanwhile, the climate of fear and hate this election has unleashed is taking a steep toll on many of our students.

On Jan. 19, there's something we can do. We will be starting this year with a strong show of force that forecasts the renewed fight for public education by holding a rally outside of Anne Beers Elementary School (3600 Alabama Ave SE) and smaller events at six other schools. We're asking you to join us!