For Immediate Release

September 8, 2016
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MANY CONNECTICUT PARENTS OF COLOR AND THE MARGINALIZED
FIND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE
CCJEF COURT DECISION
Hartford CT- Yesterday, Hartford Superior Court Judge Thomas
Moukawsher ruled in favor of Equity for Connecticut students! This
landmark ruling in the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding
(CCJEF) v. (former) Governor Jodi Rell case outlines very clearly that many
Connecticut school districts have failed and continue to fail poor students by
graduating them without the skills needed for higher education
Moukawsher said. It is safe to say we can include students of color in this
statement.
The judge, in particular, noted a totally dysfunctional teacher evaluation
system where the majority of teachers are deemed "proficient" regardless
of student performance in the classroom. With such an irrational teacher
evaluation system "Good teachers can't be recognized and bad teachers
can't be removed, Moukawsher said.
While many parents and community activists across Connecticut feel justice
has been served for children trapped in failing schools, we at the
Connecticut Parents Union are cautiously optimistic. While we as parents
of color are extremely appreciative that the judge looked passed partisan
politics and focused on the educational needs and constitutional rights of all
Connecticut children, we also know the power of the status quo. That status
quo has benefited and thrived for decades in an unaccountable public

educational system and those who protect it will not go down without a
fight.
Gwen Samuel, Founder, CT Parents Union Gwen Samuel reacted this
way: As a Black Mom, I am so grateful that the judge focused on
accountability within Connecticut Public schools, regardless of their zipcode. It was evident this case wasnt about giving school districts more
money because the status quo asked for it but instead is about how
Connecticut is spending millions in school funding in a way that is neither
transparent nor accountable. This judge had a legal obligation to protect the
civil and educational rights of all Connecticut children, when local school
districts fail to do so and he definitely fulfilled that obligation. I appreciate
the hard work of all the plaintiffs of this coalition, even those who are now
criticizing the Judges remarks as well as his decision.
Moving forward, Connecticut parents, especially parents of color and
community activists will be actively engaged to help uphold the CCJEF
decision because our childrens lives literally depend on the success of this
ruling.
It is long overdue that parents and students of color and the poor feel that
they have at least some leverage to hold lawmakers accountable to their
constituents. With elections just two months away, we have an historic civil
rights victory with CCJEF to finally put the needs of children over partisan
politics!
Waterbury Community Activist Athena Wagner may have summed it
up best: It's times like this that makes me realize that the work of
education advocates was not in vain and did not fall on deaf ears. Someone
took us seriously. Thank you Jesus!