The Highs and Lows: LAUSD Strike
On Monday January 14th, 2019 a
brave decision was made amongst the
teachers of the Los Angeles School District.
It took about 30 years for teachers to step
up and fight for the things that they deserve
and they were most certainly determined to
achieve their goals and desires. Not just for
themselves, but for the education of their
students. The LAUSD strike lasted 6 school
days which caused the district to lose nearly
over 75 million dollars. Those who striked
were proud of the outcome, but were upset
that they had to go through such lengths to
resolve their unfair working conditions.
They were so determined that the rain and
bad weather was not an important factor,
they even had the support of many students
and parents who stood beside them every
step of the way, not to mention some
students even showed their support and
admiration by providing the strikers with
food. Although many things were gained,
others were lost, many things were at stake
because of this strike, people fail to realize
that this also affected teachers on a personal
level. Different personal opinions and
beliefs shattered bonds and took a toll on
teachers, yet they were willing to move
forward past all of the negative outcomes
and focus on the positive like smaller class
sizes, higher salary , more nurses and
counselors on school campus and
healthcare.
Just like many other schools, Carson
High School also striked and many of our
students supported, some by not coming to
school and the ones who did, wore red to
show their respect. We had the privilege to
interview students, teachers and staff and
truly understand and view things through
their personal experience and point of view.
Some of the teachers decided to remain
anonymous while others were more than
proud for their voice to be heard. The leader
of the strike Mr. Riddle was asked if he was
happy with the outcome of the strike as his
response was “ Personally I am happy with
the outcome because it’s ultimately going to
lead to better conditions for our students,
some may say we should’ve gotten more,
but I believe we won in the eye of the
public.” On the other hand, an anonymous
source was against the strike and thought it
was “unnecessary” , yet still supported the
teachers. “ I can appreciate it in one sense
but on the other sense it’s kind of eh so I
appreciate it and I’m glad I can say I went
out in the strike because the last one
happened 30 years ago it’s not something
that happens everyday” Regardless of the
different opinions, the teachers and staff are
happy with the result and have the certainty
that they can teach and spread knowledge
without worrying about unfairness.
By: Kayla C, Miry D, Daisy M, Krystal M