This Friday, May 1, teachers in North Carolina plan to walk out in protest. At least 20 districts are closing schools, with teachers in other districts encouraged to request the day off. The planned protests will take place in Raleigh.
A Facebook post sharing the news has received thousands of views, likes, and shares. This post announces that “nearly 20 school districts across the state have made the powerful choice to support their workers.” Their demands include higher pay, action taken against shortages, and increased public school funding.
According to the News & Observer, one of the districts participating is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which is the second-largest in the state. It has over 140,000 students enrolled. Allegedly, more schools are closing in support than they can update the map.
Many parents are offering their support to the teachers. One parent posted on TikTok, explaining how she found out her child was out of school on Friday. Her video has sparked support with over 2,000 likes and nearly 30,000 views. She explains that, as she understands it, “the teachers are doing, pretty much like a rally, for more pay.” While she is aware that teachers love what they do, she believes that loving their job isn’t going to pay their bills. She encourages them to “go up there and get what ya’ll deserve.”
Most Support North Carolina Teachers
It seems that most are supporting the protest online, with several sharing the North Carolina parents’ views. Several comments on TikTok are hoping for the teachers to succeed. One says, “It’s been amazing to see so few people complaining about this.” Another says, “Rooting for all the teachers!” A third comment reads, “More parents need to be standing right beside the educators!”
However, there are a few who aren’t in support of the decision to close North Carolina schools for the day. One comment on the Facebook post reads, “They need to appreciate a good job with excellent benefits.” Some are referring to the protest as a stunt, saying, “It’s not just students — parents across North Carolina will bear the burden.”
With the predominantly positive support, the North Carolina teachers are committed to protesting. Other information can be found on the North Carolina Association of Educators Facebook page.
