The 1.1 million New York public school students will be excused from school to attend the Youth Climate Strike this Friday, September 20. The school board made the announcement via Twitter this week that students would not be punished for skipping class for the strike but would need to call in the absence and have parental consent. Meanwhile, Seattle has decided to mark students with unexcused absences if they participate, though other major cities are still evaluating how they will respond.
Critics have spoken out against the decision claiming the school board should not take a stand on political issues, but many parents and students alike are grateful for the opportunity to stand up for their futures without repercussion. Earlier this week, we covered a story on how Patagonia will be closing its doors for the global climate strike, and this is another indication of how climate activism is taking center stage as a critical issue. Several other major brands are following Patagonia’s lead.
Given that the future of the planet these students will live on for decades to come is at stake, the school believes students should be involved in activism that directly impacts them.
