Students, parents and community members at The Center School unveiled the Washington State Student Bill of Rights on the roof of the Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on Wednesday. The petition was written for students, by students, in conjunction with the League of Education Voters, and outlines the eight fundamental rights students say they are all entitled to get them Ready for Life.

Here are some pictures from the event and statements by those who participated in the writing of the Bill:

“The Washington State Student Bill of Rights is about empowering students to make our voices heard on education issues,” said John Gerlach (pictured above), a senior at Skyline High School and co-author of the Bill.

Students from The Center School also unveiled a mural of the Student Bill of Rights that was created in Andy Bell’s art class (above), Creative Responses to Social Issues.

Tatianna Alford, a student at The Center School who was involved in the designing and painting spoke about the first article of the Bill. “I believe the most important article is “equal opportunity” because a quality education should be provided for every student in our state regardless of where they live.”

The future of Washington’s public schools has been a topic on ongoing debate, coming to a head with recent changes in school policies, graduation requirements, funding, start times and bus schedules. By writing their own Washington State Student Bill of Rights, these students have banned together and involved themselves in the future of their education. They’ve made a statement that they hope will be heard by policymakers.

“The response from students about the Washington State Student Bill of Rights has been terrific,” said Maggie Wilkens, youth organizer for the League of Education Voters. “We hope to bring students and the Student Bill of Rights to Olympia next year during the legislative session to remind legislators that students have a voice in improving our education system.”

To read more about the Washington State Student Bill of Rights, or sign it, click here.

Thanks to Michael Itti at the League of Education Voters for tip and photos!