In honor of the historic Brown v. Board of Education verdict on May 17th, 1954, Oakland observed Take Back Our Schools Day on May 17th, 2005. Organizers said that "a growing tide of youth, educators, parents, union members, and community organizations are calling for an end to the destructive takeover of the Oakland schools." The Oakland City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of May 17th's events. The day's events included a rally at Frank Ogawa Plaza (outside of City Hall), teach-ins, and a rally at the State Building. Photos and Report: 1 | 2

Take Back Our Schools Day demands included: non-compliance with No Child Left Behind; restoration of local control to Oakland schools, including an accountable schools governing board; full funding of Prop 98; and no high school exit exam. More information about the May 17th events, including curriculum for classroom visits, can be found on the Education Not Incarceration website. Articles about the destructive effects of the State Takeover are on the Oakland Rising site. May 17:Take Back Our Schools Day is a project of Organize Da BAY, Education Not Incarceration, Oakland Education Association, Oakland ACORN, AFSCME 257, Oakland AFT and many other organizations from the Coalition to Defend and Improve Public Education