- Title: Schools closed as thousands march against Trump
- Date: 8th March 2017
- Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 8, 2017) (REUTERS) WOMAN WITH SIGN READING: "ERA (Equal rights amendment) not KKK (Ku Klux Klan)" OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE (SOUNDBITE) (English) DEMONSTRATOR RYAN UBUNTU-OLSON SAYING: "I want to show support to all of the women and girls in my life in both professionally and personally. Looking forward to the future when we don't have to b
- Embargoed: 22nd March 2017 20:23
- Keywords: A Day Without a Woman women's march International Women's Day Washington D.C. Donald Trump school closing protest demonstration teachers
- Location: WASHINGTON D.C., AND ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES
- City: WASHINGTON D.C., AND ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES
- Country: USA
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA003673OUO7
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Women demonstrated across the United States on Wednesday (March 8) in favor of economic equality and against President Donald Trump's policies on abortion and healthcare for "A Day Without a Woman," some skipping work or boycotting stores.
Classrooms and playgrounds were eerily empty in parts of Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina, after several school districts decided to close due to staff shortages.
"This is unprecedented. We've never had a case like this where we've had so many teachers call out all together in one day," Helen Lloyd, communications director for Alexandria City Schools said.
After nearly 80 percent of teachers in her district, which is located in northern Virginia, requested the day off, the district felt compelled to cancel school for the day.
"This decision was made solely around the consideration of the safety and well-being and also the ability to deliver instruction to all students. This is not a political decision. This is just looking at our staffing numbers and nothing else," Lloyd said.
The one-day protest coincides with International Women's Day with events in more than 50 countries, organizers said. The day was modeled in part after pro-immigrant demonstrations on Feb. 16, the latest in a series of anti-Trump protests since his Nov. 8 election.
In Washington, demonstrators marched from downtown to the White House to express their frustration with the president.
"Being a millennial, I think we got a little too comfortable and this has been a very rude awakening for us. And so we need to get out and be vocal just like the previous generations," Asha Kelton said.
Others said they are worried about Trump's appointments to the Supreme Court, and his views on abortion, healthcare and worker's rights.
"I am very concerned about the future. I'm very concerned for young women who are going to obviously have to re-litigate everything that has been litigated in the last 50 years," A.J. Verdelle, a demonstrator from Maryland said.
Trump, whose comments about grabbing and kissing women against their will surfaced during the campaign, took to his Twitter account early on Wednesday to note International Women's Day and the "critical role" of women around the world.
"I have tremendous respect for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy," the Republican president tweeted.
On Capitol Hill, women lawmakers including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Democrat - California) wore red and held signs reading "Don't turn back the clock on women."
Pelosi called for more investment in the education of young girls and women, adding that the investment enables them to "succeed" and also improve the quality of life for their families.
Education and wage inequality were a theme throughout most demonstrations.
By having women, who make up 47 percent of the U.S. civilian labor force, flex their economic muscle, organizers hope to call attention to the gender pay gap, access to reproductive health services, and Trump's actions that have restricted access to abortion overseas.
American women on average earn 79 cents for every $1 that men make, and African-American and Latina women make even less, according to the National Organization for Women.
Demonstrations were also expected in Atlanta, Chicago and San Francisco. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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