Richmond High School students organize Press Conference to fight statewide exit exam.

"Si se puede! Si se puede! Que vivan los estudiantes!" These were some of the chants dozens of Richmond High School students chanted in their press conference as they clapped in unity in favor of AB 1531 and SB 385.
AB 1531 would allow districts to offer alternative assessments to the California High School Exit Exam in determining whether a student should graduate, and SB 385 would allow Limited English Proficient students to take achievement tests in their primary language.

A line of well-spoken, articulate student speakers expressed themselves on how these two bills would affect their lives, "It is not fair that I give a huge effort in my studies to end up not rceiving my diploma because of the exit exam" said senior Iris Padilla. Other speakers included Lizbeth Vergara, Eduardo Ayala, Luis Miguel Gaytan, Maria Celedon, Aurora Castellanos (Californians for Justice), Richmond High counselor Taboada as well as Richmond City Council members John Marquez and Gayle McLaughlin. A representative from the office of Congressman George Miller was also in assistance.

The press conference concluded with student Mariana Flores symbolically throwing away the diplomas of students walking the stage, "This is what will happen to our diplomas if the Governor does not sign AB 1531 or SB 385."

It is unclear whether the Governor will sign the bills this weekend. As to what may happen does not change the fact that the students spoke out and became active agents in their educational experience.