Latino Economic Protest Hits Schools the Hardest

In a planned daylong boycott of the classroom and workplace, demonstrators beat pinata images of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and urged workers to stay home and not purchase commodities such as gasoline.

The protest came in response to the Legislature's repeal action last week and as part of an effort to highlight the economic contribution of California's Latino community, the nation's largest. The protest was planned to coincide with the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

"We already had this law won, and Gov. Arnold came and took it away. And we know he's an immigrant," said Blanca Duenas, who marched with roughly 100 other demonstrators along Cesar Chavez Avenue in Los Angeles. "He may have become a citizen, but he remains an immigrant."

The protest's effect on the workplace and marketplace was hard to gauge. Dozens of retailers in San Francisco, and one apparel manufacturer in Los Angeles, decided to close their doors, but other businesses appeared unaffected. Retail sales were not heavily affected in most areas

Duenas, 46, was one of a number of protesters who said she had pulled her children out of school Friday in response to the repeal.

Officials in several heavily Latino districts reported significant absenteeism, but questioned the tactics of protesters.

"I understand the issue. I understand the need for people to voice their opinion," said Richard Duarte, superintendent of the Oxnard Elementary School District. "That's part of our freedom. However, we are advocates for children, just as every adult should be. And I feel that when it comes to making a point, children should not be used to make that point."

Duarte said that his district, which is approximately 85% Latino, reported about 30% of its nearly 17,000 students absent on Friday. The district would normally expect about 15% of students to be out on any given day during the flu season, he said.

"If education is going to be a priority," Duarte said, "it should be a priority for everyone, not just our legislators."

But students who helped organize a boycott at Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles said they weren't simply enjoying a day off from school. They said they were exercising the little economic power they had by denying the school district $40 in state funds it receives each day per student.