Subject: A Call to Action; Force the Vote
Dear Editor,
Often do school board members, parents, and even students express a desire to work together on nonpartisan initiatives for the benefit of the students; however, seldom do board members deliver on their promises, or constituents advocating for said initiatives take action to sufficiently pressure our representatives. For instance, student representation on the board is nearly unanimously supported by both sides, and Virginia Code allows for a student representative to serve on the board without a vote; yet, we still do not possess this representation because the board, both collectively and individually, fear students disagreeing with whatever narrative they propagate “for the students.” The students, however, are more than capable of representing themselves if the board would just let us, instead of disingenuously invoking us to promote their respective political agendas. The board must commit to not only expediting the student advisory board but appointing a student representative to the board; furthermore, the constituents themselves must commit to advocating for this. At the time of writing, there is a school board meeting scheduled for April 11th; all genuinely in favor of nonpartisan action, elevating student voices, and holding politicians accountable for their promises should not only attend but speak at the meeting, encouraging their board members to motion and vote for, then appoint a student representative. All those in attendance who are advocating for this initiative are encouraged to wear black. We must hold our representatives accountable. We must force the vote.
-Ponax Advocacy Coalition Member, Dante’ N. Braden