Seattle school boycott of 1966 facts for kids

The Seattle school boycott of 1966 was a big protest against unfair racial separation in the Seattle Public Schools. On March 31 and April 1, thousands of students left their regular classes. Most of them went to special community schools called Freedom Schools instead.

Why Did the Seattle School Boycott Happen?

For many years, parents, civil rights groups, and community organizations worked hard. They wanted to make Seattle schools fair for all children. They saw that many children of color were in a few schools that didn't get enough money. These groups asked the school district to make these schools better. However, the school board, which was mostly white, did not agree to fix the problem.

Organizing the Boycott

After years of trying without success, several groups decided to act. These included the Central Area Civil Rights Committee (CACRC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). They planned a boycott. They asked all Seattle parents to keep their children out of school for two days.

What Were Freedom Schools?

The organizers knew that parents needed a place for their children during the boycott. They also wanted to show what good, fair education could look like. So, they created special learning places called "Freedom Schools." This name connected their local protest to the larger fight for racial justice across the country.

At first, they planned for eight Freedom Schools. But on March 31, so many students walked out of their regular schools. This meant many new Freedom School locations had to open quickly. Some parents even stayed to help because the schools were so full. Freedom Schools were held at many churches and YMCAs around Seattle.

What Did Students Learn at Freedom Schools?

The lessons at Seattle's Freedom Schools were different from regular public schools. They focused on subjects not usually taught. Students learned about African American history and the history of the civil rights movement. Dr. Earl Miller, an organizer, said these schools also trained young people. They helped them become "a new generation of civil rights leaders."

Hundreds of people volunteered to help. They worked as teachers, doctors, and helpers for transportation and childcare.

How Many Students Participated?

About 4,000 students left their regular schools during the boycott. Organizers believe that 3,000 of these students went to the Freedom Schools. The number of students absent from public schools went up by 58.5% over the two days.

Most students at the Freedom Schools, about 70%, were children of color, mainly African American. About 30% of the students were white. The school district said the absences were because of spring vacation. But the boycott organizers saw it as a huge success.

The Impact of the Boycott

Some people felt that white families only gave a small amount of support to the Freedom Schools. Others were disappointed because the Seattle Public School district still had problems with racism and unfairness later on.

Even so, the Seattle Freedom School campaign of 1966 was an important part of the fight for racial justice. It continues to inspire people who work for fairness today.