Protesters Arrested at DPS' Catherine Ferguson Academy

School for Pregnant, Parenting Teens Could Close

Updated: Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 10:53 PM EDT

Published : Friday, 15 Apr 2011, 10:53 PM EDT

DETROIT (WJBK) - Protesters gathered outside the Catherine Ferguson Academy Friday afternoon chanting, picketing and holding signs -- a show of solidarity against the proposed closing of the school, which caters to pregnant and parenting teenage girls.

While they were outside, about a dozen others were inside holed up in the library. When they wouldn't come out, Detroit police went inside.

"Police came and they're like, 'You've got to go. You've got to go,' said Tiffany Baldwin. "We just stood there and they just arrested us one by one."

"Officers advised them that the building was closed and that they did need to leave or they would be considered trespassers. After several warnings, they refused to comply. Once we were able to make entry into the room where they were, we arrested several for trespass," said Chief Roderick Grimes with Detroit Public Schools.

As the chants grew louder, students, former students and even a teacher were led out in handcuffs.

"The attitude of the teachers was really plain. It was we can find a job somewhere else, but these young women, they can't replace this school. If we don't stand and fight with them for their futures, then they don't stand a chance," said Shanta Driver with By Any Means Necessary.

Some struggled, some screamed, all were put in squad cars and hauled away.

"To go in like storm troopers to arrest people who were carrying on a peaceful protest during spring break to preserve their school was just absolutely outrageous," Driver said.

At least a dozen people were arrested, including two moms who had their small kids with them.

Baldwin's three-year-old daughter was there, and she says she would do it all again if it meant saving the school that helped save her.

"I'm glad I took part in this. I'd do it a hundred times more to help the cause," she said.

Those arrested were brought to the Detroit Police Department where they were ticketed, processed and they have all been released.

There was a DPS spokesperson on the scene. He said they understand that a school can mean so much to students, parents and teachers, but that a protest is not the way to go about trying to get your message heard. Instead, they are encouraged to talk to Robert Bobb and show that their school needs to stay open.

The protest was organized by the group By Any Means

Protesters Arrested at DPS' Catherine Ferguson Academy: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Download a detailed PDF about Catherine Ferguson Academy:  HERE!