‘As a teacher and a woman, I don’t like this one bit’
Following the success of women’s marches around the country and overseas after the inauguration of President Trump, the organizers called for a new protest, “A Day Without a Woman,” on March 8, on which, as its title proclaims, women are being called to stay home and not spend money to show their economic strength. Some schools — including entire districts — closed, fearing that there would not be enough staff to operate, and rallies were held as part of the U.N. International Women’s Day.
The action has drawn its supporters, who say that women must find ways to show their political and economic power at a time when they fear the Trump administration will hurt issues that matter to them. There are critics with different concerns, including Patricia Gordon, a teacher at T.C. Williams High School in the Alexandria City public schools district in Virginia, where classes were canceled Wednesday because of the protest. The district website explains why it took this action in a note on its website that says in part:
It has come to our attention that as of March 6, 2017, more than 300 staff members have requested leave this Wednesday, March 8. Given the unusually high number of requests, this may be attributed to the observance of International Women’s Day. This day has also been deemed A Day Without Women. Consequently, ACPS has decided to close schools for students for the day. This day will be a teacher work day for ACPS staff. This is in addition to the teacher work day that is on Friday, March 10.This is not a decision that was made lightly. We have been closely monitoring requests for leave on March 8, including communicating with school leaders and our education association. The decision is based solely on our ability to provide sufficient staff to cover all our classrooms, and the impact of high staff absenteeism on student safety and delivery of instruction. It is not based on a political stance or position.Students will not be required to make up this instructional day. … We understand that when schools close there is an impact on families, who may have to find unanticipated child care. We apologize for this unforeseen burden on parents and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Gordon isn’t happy with the protest, and in this post, she explains why. It first appeared on the ‘As a teacher and a woman, I don’t like this one bit’ - The Washington Post:
