Recent Petitions
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Demand Justice for Police Dog Who Died After Being Left in Car May 22, 2013 02:05
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Don’t Prosecute High School Girl for Being in a Same-Sex Relationship May 22, 2013 02:05
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Pledge Support for Oklahoma Tornado Victims May 22, 2013 02:05
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Keep Church and State Separate in Georgia State Parks May 22, 2013 02:05
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Urge Wendy’s to Support Farm Workers’ Rights May 22, 2013 02:05
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Condemn Judge for Attempting to Destroy Family With Two Moms May 22, 2013 02:05
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Support Legislators Working to Improve Animal Abuse Laws May 22, 2013 02:05
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Reject Inadequate Conservation Plans for Grizzly Bears May 22, 2013 02:05
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Condemn Congressman for Attempts to Limit Women’s Abortion Rights May 22, 2013 02:05
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Criticize State Representative for Denying Climate Change May 22, 2013 02:05
Archive for Category: "Education"
Stop Pay Raises For California State University Presidents
While students continue to face fee hikes and funding cuts, the California State University Board of Trustees recently approved pay raises for presidents who were already making six-figure salaries. Tell administrators to prioritize students and staff by demanding that the Board of Trustees repeal the pay hikes it approved for three university presidents last Tuesday.
Celebrate the Life of America’s First Woman in Space
After a 17-month long battle with pancreatic cancer, Sally Ride—the first American woman into space—recently succumbed to the disease. She was 61 years old. Like American heroes of the past, Sally Ride deserves her own postage stamp to celebrate her notable life.
Stop Exploitation of Female Students in Liberia
Liberian women seeking an education are disproportionately affected by poverty—many women resort to sex in order to pay school fees. The Liberian government must recognize this problem, and enact appropriate policy to address it.
Demand Greater Transparency in the Los Angeles Unified School District
0The Los Angeles Unified School District is no stranger to controversy, as this year could certainly illustrate. Due to numerous allegations of misconduct between school employees and students constantly emerging, many parents are losing faith in the school system. In order to gain back this trust, school officials need to reach a compromise between an employee’s privacy and a parent’s right to greater disclosure of necessary concerns.
Bar Abusive Bus Driver from Future Child-Related Professions
School bus driver Marjorie Jones barely escaped a jail sentence after being found guilty of duct taping a seven-year-old disabled girl’s mouth shut and generally harassing her. However, after her three-year probation is up, she could potentially return to a school where children are in danger of her abuse. Sign the petition now to ask the New York State Department of Labor to do everything in its power to prevent her from securing a future job that puts her in contact with children.
Force D.A.R.E. to Reformulate Ineffective Curriculum
The anti-drug program, D.A.R.E., is used in nearly 80% of US school districts; however, results of the program prove it ineffective and counterproductive. Popularity of the program has distracted the public from numerous studies concluding that D.A.R.E. does not prevent drug use, and participants are indiscernible from non-participants. Demand that D.A.R.E. base their curriculum in evidence based practices, invite outside review, and continually evolve amidst emerging research.
Require Geography Education in Public High Schools
Geography teaches us empathy for the planet and the animals and humans on it, but is slowly being weaned out of our public education system. As the world becomes more global and we become more dependent upon natural resources, geographic understanding becomes imperative. Tell the Department of Education to integrate geography education into public schools.
Improve Physical Education Programs in U.S. Schools
One-third of American children are overweight or obese, a trend that correlates closely with low levels of physical activity. Our public schools are not confronting this issue, as they continue to offer severely inadequate opportunities for physical activity during the school day. Urge the U.S. Department of Education to mandate healthier levels of physical education in our schools.
Support Funding of Music Programs in Public Schools
New Jersey public schools are facing a budget shortfall and are cutting music programs as a result. Music is a vital tool for healthy development, and students should not be denied a well-rounded education. Demand that music programs remain present in New Jersey public schools.
Stop College Tuition Hikes in Massachusetts
Tuition hikes across Massachusetts are unnecessary, untimely, and often the product of mismanagement by universities. Tell the Department of Higher Education that these tuition increases are unreasonable and must be stopped.
Don’t Sell Historic National Gallery
The Corcoran Gallery of Art is a National Historic Landmark whose legacy is under threat of being sold to any private bidder. The Corcoran is one of the oldest museums in the U.S. and is home to the Corcoran College of Art and Design, the only professional art school in DC since 1890. Ensure the continued existence of this rich cultural site by encouraging the Board of Trustees to reconsider its misguided decision to sell.
Stand up for LGBTQ Youth by Supporting Anti-Bullying Policies
As many as one in three youth in 6-12th grade have experienced bullying and harassment at the hands of their peers. The recently formed bipartisan Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus, formed by Rep. Mike Honda, seeks to bring national attention to the issue and put an end to this epidemic. Voice your support and take a stand for safe schools and LGBTQ youth.
Support Program Allowing Maryland Inmates to Train Service Dogs for Disabled Veterans
A new program launched by the Maryland Prison Agency will allow inmates to train service dogs for disabled veterans. Take action to commend the agency’s decision to give inmates an opportunity to benefit themselves, disabled veterans, and their new puppy friends during their time spent in prison.
Ask Louisiana to Restore Funding to Public Libraries
Louisiana recently cut their finding to libraries and now they must rely on local funding to update their technology and book collections. Some rural libraries are now finding it hard to keep up when they are often the town’s only access to computers and the internet. Ask the Louisiana governor to restore state funding to libraries.
Require Preventative Mental Health Screening in U.S. Schools
One in 8 American students suffer from impairing mental health issues, but only one tenth of these students receive special support. Preventative screening could save time, money, and heartache by addressing these problems before they are fully developed. Require U.S. schools to screen all students for mental health purposes.
Protest Texas Republican Party’s Call for Schools to Stop Teaching Critical Thinking Skills
The Texas Republican party’s 2012 platform calls for schools to stop teaching students critical thinking skills in order to avoid challenges to fixed beliefs and parental authority. Take action to protest the platform’s attitude of disregard for intellectual development that threatens to limit students’ ability to think independently.
Prevent Severe Sunburn of Students in Washington School District
Two Washington children came home from school with severe sunburns because a district-wide policy requires a doctor’s note for sunscreen. Ask the school district to amend their policy to allow sunscreen and better sunburn prevention.
Thank University Trustees Who Voted Against Tuition Increase
Both major public Michigan universities approved tuition increases last week. Four Board of Trustee members voted against the increases, bravely dissenting in service to the students overwhelmed by today’s ever-increasing financial pressures. Pledge your support to them so they will carry on the fight.
Stop Tuition Increases at Temple University
Tuition at Temple University, one of Philadelphia’s largest state universities, has increased by $1,722 in the last year alone, and more so in previous years. In order to not only gain more students, but also act as an example for other Philadelphia schools, it is imperative for Temple to stop increasing tuition.
Keep Philadelphia’s Public Schools Open
The Philadelphia school system plans to shut down 40 public schools in the next year alone. If these schools continue to shut down, remaining schools will become overcrowded and more students will be likely to drop out. Urge the Philadelphia Board of Education to keep public schools open.
Don’t Let Student Loan Interest Rates Double
If Congress does not reach an agreement on the terms of renewal for the federal subsidized student loan program by June 30, the current interest rates will double. Doubled interest rates could mean additional tens of thousands of dollars for borrowers after graduation. We must act quickly and force Congress to put partisan differences aside and make a decision before the deadline.
Reinstate University of Virginia President
University of Virginia President Terry Sullivan announced her resignation last week, a move forced by board members. Rector Helen Dragas has given no sufficient reason for the termination. Students and faculty have protested the decision. Join them.
Reinstate University of Virginia’s Esteemed First Woman President
A small group of business school alumni on the University of Virginia’s Board has forced President Teresa Sullivan to resign from her job despite overwhelmingly positive reviews. Join faculty, alumni, students and former presidents as they demand transparency and justice from the Board.
Don’t Allow Advertising in Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools have proposed selling advertising space on school grounds as a fundraising effort. Advertising in schools will not only expose students to distraction and commercial persuasion, but will encourage divides between economic groups. Ask Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell to oppose this proposition.
Charge Bullies who Left Teen Blind in One Eye with Felonies
After a devastating school attack, Kardin Ulysse was left blind in one eye. Two of his fellow students were both shouting anti-gay slurs while pummeling Ulysse’s face. Tell the Family Court that these heartless bullies must be charged with felony hate crimes.
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