It’s Not About Grit
“Unlivable Conditions”: Health and Housing
Where a student lives can have a deep and lasting impact on their physical and mental health and wellbeing, and on their abilities and opportunities to succeed in school. Housing, health and education are all intertwined. While teachers surely take notice of a student’s work habits, class behavior, grades, or attendance, the deprivation of students’ living conditions and the history of systemic discrimination and upheaval of their residential community remain largely invisible and uncounted.
Transcripts of Videos Referenced in Chapter 1
Video Guide
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Garbage, Rats, and No Hot Water
“I live in a building with broken windows, garbage, rats, and no hot water.”
My Ceiling Looks Ridiculous
“My bathroom ceiling looks really bad. It’s covered in mold and the paint is falling off and everything.”
I Don’t Know Where To Turn
“I don't know where to turn. I don't know what else to do about this!”
I Didn’t Know the Extent of How Bad Things Were
“Every day you’re thinking about how am I going to be able to pay the bills. Pay the mortgage.”
They’re Passing Away
“I’m just losing everybody who used to be family to me.”
Had to Move Out
“Every winter when the heaters were on, we had to open up all the windows just to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.”
As the Sun Comes Up
“And we’ll continue to tell gentrification that we’re not for sale!”
We Have A Petition
“If there is nothing done to change these conditions, we will withhold the rent starting October the 1st.”
