Teachers start hunger strike to protest layoffs

A group of teachers and community activists started a hunger strike Wednesday in protest of the Los Angeles Unified School District's plan to lay off thousands of teachers.

At least nine teachers and two activists are participating in the action, said Sean Leys, a Lincoln High School teacher.

Leys says the group is demanding a new budget that will not include layoffs or class-size increases.

It also wants the district to use federal stimulus money to avoid budget cuts.

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ruben.vives@latimes.com