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Community reaction to Section VI changes

Posted at 11:51 PM, Jan 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-17 23:54:15-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Public School parents, community members, activists and others came together on Friday night to speak out against the changes to Section VI football.

The group met at the Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith SR Family Life Center on Michigan Avenue. They want Section VI to reverse the organization’s decision to realign football conferences.

Football programs will now compete within their leagues, meaning Buffalo Public School programs will not be able to compete against suburban schools.

“Everybody wants their children to succeed, we just want an equal and level playing field for ours,” says Terrance Heard, Buffalo Public School Board Member-at-Large.

The 90 minute discussion covered concerns including discrimination, financial burdens, class gaps, safety concerns and college scholarships.

The group plans to take their concerns to Section VI members. They would like to meet with Section VI members to formally voice their frustration with the changes.

The group also has the support of both the Buffalo Board of Education and the Buffalo Teachers Federation. They say they hope it does not come to legal action, but are prepared for a fight.