Hundreds gathered in the south plaza of Union Sq. Park last Friday morning to protest proposed federal budget cuts to adult literacy programs. A virtual rainbow of people, from all corners of the earth to native New Yorkers, held banners urging President Bush to restore the funding. The rally was organized by the Literacy Assistance Center, with large blocs of protesters from various CUNY schools, the New York Public Library systems, the city Department of Education, the Institute of Immigrant Concerns, the Latin American Integration Center and many others. At right, Councilmember Margarita Lopez spoke. In Bush’s proposed budget, two-thirds of funding for adult literacy and job development programs would be cut.
thevillager.com
