Indian parents protest closure of alternative school

Tuesday, April 24, 2007  

Indian parents and activists marched on Monday to protest the closure of an alternative program for Indian students in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Citing budget and No Child Left Behind issues, the school district plans to end the Bimaadiziwin alternative school this year. Parents said they were blind sided by the decision and say they have been treated disrespectfully by school officials.

American Indian Movement activist led a march to the building where the program is located. The district locked the doors of the building and denied water to Banks and the other protesters.

Get the Story:
Indians protest GRPS' plans for program shutdown (The Grand Rapids Press 4/24)

Indian parents hope to save alternative school (03/29)
Michigan school district's Indian program cut (03/15)