Students March To Gracie Mansion In Push For Education Funding
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- They may be the city's youngest residents, but they did not shy away from one of the largest social movements of our time.
In a push for education funding, students are demanding the city move money from the NYPD to public schools.
CBS2's Christina Fan reports these small, but mighty, protesters marched from Central Park to Gracie Mansion on Saturday.
"I think, if we don't do something about what's happening around, nothing's gonna change," said 7-year-old Kitra Gatheru.
In front of Mayor Bill de Blasio's residence, these young speakers called on the city to provide more resources for the arts, a culturally responsive curriculum and restorative justice.
Protesters are asking for some funding allocated to the NYPD to be given to education.
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"As someone who works in a school, we need more resources," said Adam Stevens, a drama therapist. "And why not have the resources go to something to empower our young people so that they can grow to be tomorrow's leaders."
The students are also pushing for police to be removed from New York City public schools.
Students say having officers there makes them feel like criminals.
"You already feel hostile, like, oh, OK, they have to check me, they are already expecting me to be some sort of way, and they already have these stereotypes against me. So, it's just a horrible way to start your day and even just be welcomed to a place that supposed to feel loved," said Shawn Smith of East Harlem.
Earlier this week, the mayor said he did not agree with those calls.
No matter their age, these kids say it's important to be engaged in difficult conversations about racism and police violence.
"This issue has been going on for a long time, but it has really hit a breaking point where everybody is ready to respond," said Lavienna Ingram.
Saturday marked the 24th straight day of protests in New York City.