29
Jun
2015
My name is Ashley Yoerger and I have been teaching social studies in the DC Public School system for three years. Each day, I witness firsthand the effects of DC's second-class status on our schools, our teachers, and most importantly our students.
My students were appalled to learn in class that they have fewer rights than the rest of America. They wonder why, despite living in the seat of American democracy, Congress doesn't see them, respect them or represent them.
Many of my students talk about two DC's: the federal government and the Mall, and the rest of DC - the DC where real people live. That is the DC that Congress doesn't understand and tries to control.
Young people are keenly aware that politicians from other parts of the country routinely tell the District how to spend local tax dollars and what locally passed laws are put into effect.
After observing this, I was eager for my students to participate in DC Vote's "Student Advocacy Day" last month. DC Vote took students from all over the District to Capitol Hill to show Congress that young people won't stand for politicians from other parts of the country trying to control our local laws and tax dollars. Through their conversations, they put a face on the District and showed Congress that DC is a place filled with real people, who deserve full representation.
My students were appalled to learn in class that they have fewer rights than the rest of America. They wonder why, despite living in the seat of American democracy, Congress doesn't see them, respect them or represent them.
Many of my students talk about two DC's: the federal government and the Mall, and the rest of DC - the DC where real people live. That is the DC that Congress doesn't understand and tries to control.
Young people are keenly aware that politicians from other parts of the country routinely tell the District how to spend local tax dollars and what locally passed laws are put into effect.
After observing this, I was eager for my students to participate in DC Vote's "Student Advocacy Day" last month. DC Vote took students from all over the District to Capitol Hill to show Congress that young people won't stand for politicians from other parts of the country trying to control our local laws and tax dollars. Through their conversations, they put a face on the District and showed Congress that DC is a place filled with real people, who deserve full representation.
