Redeemer students stage rally to support teachers

FROM THE SCRANTON TIMES TRIBUNE, MAY 1, 2008

Redeemer students stage rally to support teachers


On the last day of February, they walked out.

On the last day of April, they rallied.

Pledging to renew support for their teachers’ right to unionize, students at Holy Redeemer High School on Thursday hosted a rally at Public Square immediately after class. Parents and teachers rounded out the 100-plus crowd.

“We’re here because we believe in the dignity of workers’ rights and social justice, because we care about the future of Catholic education, but most importantly because we love our teachers,” said Holy Redeemer senior Kevin Hourigan.

“They’re truly inspirational people and it’s difficult not to catch their infectious enthusiasm for learning, the teeming energy with which they lead their classes and the concern they show us each day. I know I’m the person I am today because of the diligent work of my teachers, and we simply cannot rest until they are granted their right to unionize.”

The rally was to protest a decision by Bishop Joseph Martino of the Diocese of Scranton not to recognize the teachers union as a bargaining unit, opting instead for an “Employee Relations Council” the diocese claims will insure fair representation.

In between group prayers and the national anthem, students argued the Catholic Church has a lengthy history of supporting labor unions and cited texts ranging from Pope Leo XIII to the Second Vatican Council to the Scranton Diocese itself.

“Human beings have the fundamental right to act through their own organizations, specifically labor unions,” said Holy Redeemer senior Carl Frank, quoting his Diocese-issued theology textbook, “Our Moral Life in Christ.”

In February, several hundred Holy Redeemer students walked out of their morning classes in support of their teachers and endured a Saturday-morning detention for their efforts.

Thursday’s rally was held after school and away from school property.Although the diocese has issued numerous press releases stating that Martino’s decision is final and will not be revoked, participants in the rally vowed to keep the fight.

“The diocese may say this is pointless, but if they listened closely, they might discover that it’s not. These kids have a voice and deserve to be heard,” said Sharon Hourigan, spokesperson for Parents Supporting the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers.

“Personally, I want my kids to stand up for themselves.” Having obtained a permit from the city, rally organizers were granted police protection to block traffic at several intersections as participants traveled back and forth from Holy Redeemer to Public Square.

Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers President Michael Milz was also in attendance but stressed that students organized the event without help or encouragement. Throughout the last four months, the teachers union has held a series of informational picketings, prayer vigils and public meetings, and has even appealed to the Vatican for intervention. “I wish I could take credit, but this is their day. I’m just proud because the students did a fantastic job. Someone must have taught them well,” said Milz.

FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW FOR A SIMILAR STORY IN THE WILKES-BARRE CITIZENS' VOICE, MAY 1, 2008.

Students rally for Catholic teachers