Q&A: Kathleen Tarr

Why did you decide to attend the rally?

First off, I am the Union Segment Director for Alhambra High School. I [needed] to attend the rally in which I was an instrument in putting together. Also, I attended because I know that, when you have a rally like this, a large number of protestors can influence the government. If we all stew in our own juices then nothing will ever change.

How do you feel about the turnout of the rally?

I have a long history of political activism and I thought the rally was pretty tame. We were loud, but we have to have a noisy presence so that people listen. We recommended that teachers make as much noise as possible. This is the message I want to send out to the teachers of AHS—I was extremely proud of the staff at the morning rally, because there was a strong turnout. I understand that some teachers have young children at home, and others like Mr. Jauregui had to be at a swim meet. I would like to have seen more AHS faculty members, who did not have anything else planned, at the downtown rally.

Do you feel the rally was effective?

Let’s see how congress responds—If they don’t respond, then you go out again, and again and again. You have to get in their faces. I always feel invigorated when people stand up for social injustice.

Interview was condensed and edited.

By StaffWriter Anthony Perez