We will not be intimidated! The future is at hand! - Statement from NYC High School students

Many students jokingly compare schools to prison. Recently that joke has become a frightening reality. Shortly after news of our organization’s goal to mobilize students to walk out of school on November 2, 2005, the administration of Martin Luther King high school stated that the school will be locked down. On October 27, 2005, MLK’s administration contacted Beacon School’s administration. Our arranged meeting at Beacon was cancelled as a result and now also on lock down for November 2.

This is unacceptable! Throughout this week we have received nothing but negative input on our positions as youth organizers for The World Can’t Wait - Drive out the Bush Regime. As concerning as it was to have our teacher, especially known for her activism, tell us that our attempt for youth mobilization was trivial and "cute"; it only makes us try harder. This teacher openly stated that we, as teenagers, have no power and we should focus on people who can vote.

Many students have also brought up this point. But we Do have power, we are the leaders of TODAY, not tomorrow. We are living in dangerous times and its important to take action regardless of how old you are. By participating in November 2 walk out, we will show our power. We are the future and the future is at hand.

Victoria Lena and Simóne Luminosa
2 High school Students
(From an all Girl Catholic School in NYC)