WASHINGTON - March 2 - WHAT: Young people at schools in more than 25 states nationwide demand the Bush administration to address the needs of students and youth on Thursday, March 4, the National Youth and Student Peace Coalition's (NYSPC) Books Not Bombs 2nd National Day of Action.

WHERE: Planned actions range from citywide rallies of high schools and colleges in Chicago and New York City; to teach-ins, mock funerals and student assemblies are more than 70 campuses nationwide.

WHEN: Thursday, March 4, 2004.

WHY:

* Youth and students counter the Bush administration's continuing attack of youth and civil liberties, highlighted by the recent subpoena of Drake University (Iowa) for anti-war organizing and U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige's branding of a teachers' union as "terrorists".

* Upon the one-year anniversary of the American occupation of Iraq, youth and students call the Bush administration to refocus on the growing needs of people in his own country on education, civil liberties and demilitarization at home.

The National Youth and Student Peace Coalition (www.nyspc.net) represents youth and students from 19 national and regional organizations which empower young people to take action for peace and justice in their communities.

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