Climate Strike In Boston To Draw Thousands

BOSTON, MA — Millions of people across the world are expected to walk out of workplaces, homes and schools Friday in an effort to draw attention to a growing climate crisis. Organizers expect thousands to show up at the Boston State House, where a local strike is set for 10 a.m.

Youth from around the world in 150 countries will stage a climate strike on Friday, Sept. 20 to demand an end to fossil fuels, corporate pollution and environmental destruction. The planned event is expected to be the largest such environmental protest, yet.

Protesters in Boston are asking that state officials end fossil fuel infrastructure projects - such as the Weymouth Natural Gas Compressor Station, reduce carbon emissions and declare a state of climate and ecological emergency.

More than 2,500 people have indicated they plan to show up to the Boston event and another 6,500 have indicated they're in support.

Speakers from a student at Brookline High School to Boston City Councilor to the head of the EPA under President Barack Obama plan to speak Friday. Updates may be followed on social media using #bostonclimatestrike

The international protest comes in anticipation of the UN Climate Action Summit scheduled Sept. 23, where leaders from government, business, and civil society are expected to convene and address the global climate emergency.

Will the kids be punished for skipping school?

Students from across the region are expected to make the trek, and school districts are sending out emails to families and students to let them know what it could mean for them.

"We believe strongly that regular attendance plays a critical role in our students' academic success,"said Boston Public School Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius in a letter to families this week. "We also believe in the power of young people to affect change on important issues, and that valuable learning can occur through participation in civic activities."

Boston Superintendent of Schools essentially told students that if they had a note from a parent they could miss school for the strike and get an excused absence.

In Brookline, it depends on the teacher and the parent. Although a Brookline High School student will be headed to the Boston rally to speak, the district said it would create area on school property for students who planned to protest. Anyone who wants to leave campus will need a note from a parent and have to work it out with their teacher.

In Newton, district attendance policy does not excuse absences for events like the Climate Strike and others that have occurred in previous years.

"It is important for us as school district to maintain a consistent policy across schools, no matter the event or specific cause," said Julie McDonough a Newton district official. However, she pointed out that one unexcused absence does not negatively impact a student's school record or grade.

"We do support students' participation in our democracy and respect their right to express their opinions and to take action in support of their beliefs. Our principals have been working with students who have expressed an interest in attending the event, sharing information with them and answering their questions," she said.

In Newton a group is expected to gather on the front steps of Newton City Hall at 8:30 a.m. before heading to Boston City Hall.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, meanwhile said she will be participating in a related panel in Boston, “Planning for Climate Change via Local Government Solutions.”

Boston Climate Strike Schedule:

10am – 11:30am: Community Events at City Hall Plaza

11:30am – 1pm: Rally at City Hall Plaza

1pm – 1:30pm: March to Massachusetts State House

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Action at Massachusetts State House

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).