Chicago students 'go zombie' to protest public school closures

Chicago Public School students march as zombies to City Hall to protest 'death of Chicago public education.'

Storified by AJAMStream· Fri, Nov 01 2013 15:36:02

Students march from Board of Ed to Chicago City Hall dressed as zombies to protest death of public Ed http://twitter.com/OCPress/status/396390471137652736/photo/1OC Press

CPS students dressed as zombies protest school closings, death of public ed outside Chicago Mayor's Office http://twitter.com/plussone/status/396392462194708481/photo/1OC Press

Mayors office sends PR flak to hear student demands http://twitter.com/plussone/status/396393238170324992/photo/1OC Press

A student and member of the Chicago Student Union explained why the group organized the march in a press release:

“Chicago Public Schools has not been supporting the students of Chicago lately. Instead of gaining an education these students are risking their lives on dangerous walks to new, more distant schools. The children who attend these CPS schools have been left to choose between their education and their own safety,” says Nidalis Burgos, Sophomore at Lincoln Park High School and member of the Chicago Student Union.pastebin.com

The protest occurred amid continuing controversy over public school consolidation pushed by Mayor Emanuel. The city recently revealed that just 60 percent of the 10,542 students from closed elementary schools had enrolled in their designated "welcoming schools." This is despite efforts by Chicago to soften the blow of school closures with millions spent on renovations, safety programs, air conditioning, and specialized education programs.

What do you think about the students' 'zombie protest'? Have you seen similar protests surrounding public school education in your community? Leave a comment below.