By Ann Marie Bush

KNEA Director of Communications

“Everything that happens in this building is impacting them or someone they know in some way,” said Sarah Byarlay, a Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) member who attended Equality Day at the Kansas Statehouse with 14 GSA students from Salina Central High School.

Equality Day was one of two events that brought KNEA members to the Statehouse on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Literacy Day at the Capitol took place from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the second‑floor rotunda, while Equality Day began at 10 a.m. on the first floor.

Byarlay, an English language arts educator and GSA co-sponsor at Central High, has made the trip with students four times.

“Every time we come, we attend Equality Day,” she said. “Last year, it was on March 4. It was especially impactful because students were able to watch testimony, too. This is a cool thing to be able to do. I feel it’s something positive in a world where they feel like they are made to feel less than.”

KNEA President Sherri Schwanz met with Byarlay and students following the event to emphasize the power of civic participation.

“Your voice matters. Your vote matters,” Schwanz said. “Thank you for being here.”

Gov. Laura Kelly was among the speakers during Equality Day.

KNEA member Amber Pagan spoke at the Literacy Day at the Capitol event. Literacy Day brings together educators, families, policymakers and community partners who share a commitment to improving literacy outcomes across the state.

The event also offered support for the Blueprint for Literacy, a statewide effort focused on equipping educators with evidenced-based tools and improving reading outcomes for all students.

Pagan, of Shawnee Mission, has a son with dyslexia and also serves on the Blueprint for Literacy Committee.

“I’m hoping we can inform the Legislature so we can get the funding we need,” Pagan said. “I think the event went well. I loved all of the (informational) tables we had set up. I just wish we would have more participation from legislators.”

Other speakers included Cathy Hopkins, Kansas State Board of Education Chair; Kathy Wolfe Moore, Kansas Board of Regents; Rep. Troy Waymaster; and Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education.

Both events showcased the power of student and educator advocacy and the importance of showing up at the Statehouse to make their voices heard.

Ann Marie Bush can be reached by email at ann.bush@knea.org.