With Catonsville High School's graduating class' senior year cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funds meant for prom and a senior picnic can't be used for its original purpose-- so what do we do with it? The death of George Floyd reignited attention to Black Lives Matter and all 50 states held protests against the systemic issue of police brutality and racial injustice in America. The Class of 2020 can do our part. Many of us feel helpless since some are afraid to go outside and join the protests due to the coronavirus or some don't have the means to donate. This is a chance for the Class of 2020 to do good as a collective. The Black Lives Matter movement has trailed the Class of 2020 since before we step foot through the school corridor as freshmen, with the death of Freddie Gray in 2015 and protestors demanding justice to be served to happen just a little over 20 minutes from school grounds. 

This is our opportunity to BE. DO. CREATE. our best. 

The funds should be donated (directly if policy allows or independently. Dues paid by families should be reimbursed if they wish then the remainder would be donated) and split between 70+ community bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organizers. more info here: secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd

BLACK LIVES MATTER IS A HUMAN RIGHTS MOVEMENT. While people may argue these donations are not appropriate due to the "political" association, the Black Lives Matter movement is a human rights issue. not a political one. This year has caused school policies to be re-evaluated and this should be no different.

This cause is bigger than us. Seniors might not have been able to gather for our end of the year activities, but this is a chance for us to leave behind a legacy that goes beyond Catonsville High and help a cause that is shaping our generation and America moving forward.

UPDATE:

After multiple conversations with school administration and word even being spread to BCPS Superintendent Dr. Williams,

Catonsville High School cannot directly donate funds raised from class dues and fundraisers to mutual aid and bail funds. Unfortunately, this won’t change no matter any strange circumstance we face. (This sucks. I know.) A portion of the funds must also be circulated back to the school too, in the form of gifts (lol). Class dues are to be refunded to the families of the Class of 2020 who paid. But we could still accomplish what this petition set out to do!! I suggest the Class of 2020 donate their reimbursements to ACTBLUE. Everything will be donated and split between 70+ community bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organizers. (secure.actblue.com/donate/bail_funds_george_floyd) 

The returns will be gradually sent out to families. Bottom line: it's up to us that the money ends up where we want it to go. You can donate $80 now from all four years now and get it back later!

if you are unable to donate, please click this link and play the video in the background (you can even mute it) BUT DO NOT SKIP THE ADS!!! All Ad money generated will go towards the cause!