Fighting for the Right to the City: Community Organizing for Public Education in a Gentrifying D.C.

Session Type: Off-Site Visit

Abstract

In Washington, D.C., community organizers have a dual challenge. On one hand, they must confront a powerful education reform agenda that has dramatically changed the education landscape through massive school closures, the vast expansion of charter schools, and persistent inequality. On the other, they must navigate new forms of urbanization that have changed the character of the city. Rather than focus on a particular policy issue, this year’s proposed offsite event seeks to situate D.C. education organizing experiences deeply within the context of a rapidly gentrifying city.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Grassroots Community and Youth Organizing for Educational Reform