St Scholastica on Marcos burial protest: Rallies not new to us

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St Scholastica on Marcos burial protest: Rallies not new to us
St Scholastica's College says, 'We know that there is a bigger classroom out in the real world and we face the challenges and difficulties fair and square'
 
MANILA, Philippines – St Scholastica’s College Manila (SSC) stands by its decision to have students join the Marcos burial demonstration on November 18, 2016 in the wake of the backlash some of its students and the school received on social media. (READ: #ThankYouStScho: ‘Please do not underestimate the youth

In a letter issued to the members of the Scholastican community, SSC reiterated that the students who participated did so with consent from the parents: “Speaking out and demonstrations are not new to Scholasticans. These have been practiced for decades. There is always preparation for such activities. Students have lessons, join a rally or speak out. Students who are not allowed have alternative activities in school.”

SSC also emphasized its commitment to teaching students about issues outside the classroom: “We do not confine ourselves to the classroom. We know that there is a bigger classroom out in the real world and we face the challenges and difficulties fair and square.”

The school also thanked members of the community who came to its defense. Concerned alumnae had issued a statement saying they are eyeing legal action against those who threatened the students.

Below is the full letter of St Scholastica’s College in Manila to its community:

The past few days have been truly challenging. The secretive burial of former President Marcos caught us all by surprise. The burial day coincided with our planned noon day noise barrage on the same issue on the sidewalks of Leon Guinto and Estrada. The Benedictine community of Sisters, Faculty, Students, Staff, and Personel demonstrated their objection to the Marcos burial and reiterated the message “MARCOS IS NOT A HERO.”

We were bashed on social media over the fact that we had grade school and high school students in the demonstration. We would like to thank all alumnae, parents, students, staff, and personnel who spoke up for St. Scholastica’s College. They were our spokespersons on the decades-long tradition of speaking out for principles and advocacies.

Speaking out and demonstrations are not new to Scholasticans. These have been practiced for decades. There is always preparation for such activities. Students have lessons, join a rally or speak out. Students who are not allowed have alternative activities in school. It is truly heartwarming how many of our graduates have shared their stories of rallies they have been to and what a true Scholastican education is.

We affirm our education of women and men of character, empowered to be agents of social change. This is the heart and content of our education. It is Education with a social responsibility. We do not confine ourselves to the classroom. We know that there is a bigger classroom out in the real world and we face the challenges and difficulties fair and square. Our students encourage diversity of opinion and discussion. Students must be able to see further than what their books say. Critical thinking is the important ingredient in their education.

Narratives, posts, graphics, and hash tags have given us a true measure of how our students value their Scholastican Education. St. Scholastica’s College gratefully acknowledges you all for your support through the trying days. As we continue to educate women and men in the 21st century, we know you are our partners in the continuing journey of Scholastican education for justice and peace.

That in all things God may be glorified.

 
 
– Rappler.com

 

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