Eastern Michigan University students have submitted a letter to Kim Schatzel, interim president, provost and executive vice president, requesting university presidents across the state curb their authorizing power in Detroit.
Specifically, the letter demands an end to the unchecked opening and closing of Detroit charter schools until a Detroit Education Commission has been formed in the hopes that power will be given back to Detroit parents and students. The letter was submitted as part of the state-wide Students in Solidarity Campaign.
University of Michigan student Celeste Goedert, member of Students in Solidarity, confirmed at Schatzel received the letter and will meet with EMU's Students for an Ethical and Participatory Education on Monday.
The letters demanded the following:
1. The Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers enact a policy by Dec. 1 which limits the current authorizers from opening and closing schools in Detroit until the creation of the Detroit Education Commission.
2. The University President urge the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers (specifically Executive Director, Jared Burkhart, and President, Cindy Schumacher) to support the Coalition’s Recommendations, and lobby in favor of the recommendations.
3. The University President meet with the student representatives before Nov. 4.
4. The University President make a concerted effort to influence other University Presidents to support the Coalition’s Recommendations.
5. The University President make a public statement that he/she supports the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren’s Recommendations.
They’ve given the presidents until Nov. 4 to respond. EMU administrators have been contacted regarding this issue and their comments will be added to the online version of the story at easternecho.com as they become available.
Emily Hopener, from SEPE, said students in Detroit are being negatively impacted by the charter schools and are the charter schools are “taking away their right to an inclusive, supportive education full of opportunities.”
Students on Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan’s campus have also delivered letters to their university presidents. Letters were mailed to other university presidents across the state.
The Eastern Echo will continue reporting on developments.
