The protests over the proposed school closings are not letting up.

“We’re implementing a walkout,” says Maria P. Jones, an activist and parent of a Burroughs Elementary student. “We have to make people, the teachers and the parents and students aware of their power.”

Parents and activists are organizing this citywide school walkout for January 31. Organizers are encouraging teachers, students, and any other DCPS employees to not go to school on that morning and instead join in a protest/march. According Jones, the schedule will be as follows:

*The protest will begin at 8:35 a.m. at DCPS headquarters. At that time there will be a non-denominational prayer.

*At 8:45 a.m., the protesters will march to the Wilson Building. They hope to reach the Wilson Building at 10 a.m.

*What the activists do at the Wilson Building is still to be determined.

“We must send a message that Michelle Rhee doesn’t have the will of the people,” Jones says. “If we do not resist, 23 schools will close and many, many people will lose their jobs.”

For a critical look at who exactly is upset over the school closings, read this week’s LL column.