Thousands of New Jersey students protest budget cuts

Thousands of high school students across New Jersey walked out of classrooms to protest Gov. Christie’s education budget cut.

Students flooded the streets, football fields, and parking lots with protesting signs and chanted slogans to defend teachers.

Thousands of students in Newark, NJ filled the streets to protest shortly before noon today. Others students from around New Jersey participated by walking out, locally including: Ocean Township, Asbury Park High School and High Tech High School.

The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teacher union, said the students are “engaging in civil disobedience” but shouldn’t walk out of classes.

“I think the best outcome would be for the students to be in school and find a way to protest outside of school hours,” said Steve Wollmer, a spokesman for the organization.

I absolutely disagree. Newark and Asbury Park students,especially, I am proud of you. Today, you and other students used their voice to speak up and be heard.

Photo Credit: The Star Ledger/Andrew Mills