Last week, Seattle Public Schools mandated all comprehensive high schools adopt a two-lunch schedule, a requirement that Garfield has been fighting against for many years. Within hours of the announcement, parents and students across the north-end organized to protest the transition. Despite the many years of Garfield’s battle, the issue only gained traction after it impacted north-end schools.

The Seattle Times recently published an article on the citywide fight against a split-lunch schedule, but only included interviews from north-end students and families. Garfield has been facing this issue for years, yet never received the same attention. Families of north-end SPS students often have more time and resources to contribute to the struggles their students face. Garfield and south-end schools may be more limited in resources and advocacy from families, but that does not mean the issue is any less prevalent. On the face of that article is a picture of Garfield, but Bulldog voices are nowhere to be found.

Dear Garfield,

Our school has a rich history of student activism. Since the founding of Garfield, students have never been afraid to make their voices heard. Now, we take on that responsibility. We must stand up for what we believe in, even if we feel the outcome is already set. Dr. Hart has fought for us, ASB has fought for us, now is our chance to prove we can fight for ourselves.

This Monday morning at eleven A.M., every student in this building has a choice to make, a chance to carry Garfield’s history of advocacy forward. We cannot shy away from advocacy on any issue, big or small. Let’s strive to continue our tradition of being a community that chooses to confront the challenges we face. This is bigger than two lunches; it’s bigger than any one walkout. It’s about honoring the Bulldog legacy, and decisively carrying it forward.

Sincerely,

The Garfield Messenger Editors