The people living in Puerto Rico, including your AFSA brothers and sisters, have experienced devastation through Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and they are still coping with the aftereffects of the horrible storms today.

Instead of providing stability at this time of need, by investing in and strengthening public schools in Puerto Rico, Governor Ricardo Rossello and his education Secretary, Julia Keleher, are using this time of crisis as a reason to close 283 public schools. This is in addition to the 167 schools that have already been closed at the end of 2017.

Under this plan, schools will be closed that will force students to travel long distances to receive the education they need. In addition, the plan will divert much needed resources away from public schools to private and charter schools.

That is why we must stand with them and elevate their voice.

Please take a moment to stand with your brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and sign this petition and tell Governor Rossello and Secretary Keleher that you stand with the people of Puerto Rico, and that you oppose their plan to close the massive school closures.