Tucson teachers and supporters march against education cuts

TUCSON, Ariz.—The theme was “Protect our kids!” as Tucson teachers, school workers, students, and parents were joined by community members for a march and rally against the ongoing attacks on the Department of Education. Close to 500 people turned out on Sunday, March 30th, to defend the Education Department and stop the attacks on workers and public services.

The spirited march and rally was sponsored by the Tucson Education Association (TEA) and several other Southern Arizona NEA locals, the Pima Area Labor federation, Arizona Jobs with Justice, and other local unions. Prominent were homemade signs like “Protect kids—Not Billionaires” and “Bus Drivers for Education.” After marching down to the Federal and State office Buildings, TEA president Jim Byrne chaired a lively rally.

At the ensuing rally, Sunnyside School District counselor Jennifer Cardenas asked why they would want to cut funds from those who need it most.  She explained that her district will lose three million dollars of funding for children with disabilities and English learners. “The quality of a child’s education should not depend on the kid’s economic status,” she added.

School bus driver and AFSCME union member Nick Bruno decried the Trump administration’s plans to give tax cuts to the wealthy, which are “selling out the future of our students.” He suggested that the cuts should be directed at the billionaires and corporate interests instead of cutting the budget for public services.

Cecilia Valdez, President of the Pima Area Labor federation, called for Tucsonans to “Stand up against union busting and the elimination of bargaining rights for public workers” since it’s an attack on all working people. She stressed the need to mobilize union members, supporters, and communities to defend union rights.

Speakers urged attendees to participate in the many actions against the Trump/Musk attacks on working people, unions, and public services, like the anti-Musk weekly demonstrations at a local Tesla dealership that drew 2000 protesters the day before.

Tucson has also seen demonstrations against plans to privatize the postal service and against cuts to the Veteran’s Administration. Frequent demonstrations are also taking place at the office of MAGA Congressman Juan Ciscomani, who refuses to meet with constituents.

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