educational justice

From Baltimore to Philadelphia, those in power are trying to cut funding from our schools and expand prisons. But youth from across the country are coming together to fight back and demand our human right to education.

Students from across the country are coming together to stand up against the school to prison pipeline and demand positive school discipline policies that address young peoples' needs.  Instead of zero tolerance policies, students are organizing for the adoption of restorative justice models that promote counseling, mediation and conflict resolution. Leading this fight is the Alliance for Educational Justice (AEJ), a national alliance of youth organizing groups that includes the Philadelphia Student Union (PSU).

Philadelphia Student Union is turning 15 this year. Celebrate with us on Tuesday.  Here's a look back at some of our victories over the years.

1995 A group of Philadelphia high school students who are concerned with the state of public education in the city realizes that if meaningful school reform is going to happen it will have to be led by the most-affected: students. The Philadelphia Student Union is formed.

Dozens of students have committed to walking out of South Philadelphia High School due to on-going concerns for their safety. A meeting on Friday with District officials did not satisfactorily address their concerns, students said. Instead, the students will be spending a week working on their own plans and conducting research and study as well as meeting with community and district leaders.