Title: Black Community Leaders Advocate for Addressing Learning Disadvantages and Dismissal of Black Principals in Chicago
In an effort to address the learning disadvantages faced by Black children in the city, Black community leaders on Chicago’s West Side are calling on city officials to take immediate action. They expressed concerns about the Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) failure to fulfill its commitment to bridge the opportunity gap for Black students. Additionally, the leaders protested the dismissal of several Black principals, which they believe adversely impacts the educational experience and future prospects of Black children.
At a press conference held at Austin College and Career Academy High School, the leaders, accompanied by community members and organizations such as Illinois African Americans For Equitable Redistricting and Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, raised their voices against the persistent struggles Black students face in the education system. According to Natasha Dunn, an education advocate from the South Side, Black student reading levels in the city have hit their lowest point in three decades. Furthermore, Black students often have to travel longer distances to reach school compared to their peers.
The advocates stressed the urgent need for city and state officials to implement legislation that ensures fairer and more equitable opportunities for Black students who have been falling behind for decades. They criticized the lack of importance given to establishing a Black student achievement committee, stating that it perpetuates systemic racism within Black neighborhoods.
Valerie Leonard, a community organizer, presented a proposed school board map developed in collaboration with Illinois African Americans For Equitable Redistricting. The proposed plan would divide the city into ten school districts, each composed of five wards. This restructuring would allow educators to specialize in teaching specific populations, leading to more targeted and effective instructional approaches. The suggested plan proposes three majority Black districts, three majority Latino districts, three majority white districts, and one district designated for Asian and Jewish communities.
Soon after the press conference, CPS announced a strategic plan worth $3 billion aimed at improving the physical condition of school facilities and addressing academic disparities among Black students compared to their peers. As part of this plan, an advisory team will provide recommendations to develop a Black Student Success Plan.
While CPS CEO Pedro Martinez emphasized the opportunity for collaboration with community partners and their passion for change, Leonard expressed disappointment, feeling that her work and that of others were undermined by CPS officials. She questioned when Black children would become a priority, considering the persistent achievement gap and the lack of urgency in addressing it.
Another pressing issue highlighted by Black education advocates is the removal of Black principals from public schools. At least three Black principals have been ousted, raising concerns about the negative impact on Black students’ educational experiences. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken notice of this issue, urging attention to the potential consequences that include increased rates of crime and poverty among affected individuals.
Gerald Morrow, who was dismissed from the position of principal at Dunbar Career Vocational Academy, stated that undereducated Black students, particularly Black boys, face significant challenges in securing employment, potentially leading to involvement in criminal activities.
In summary, Black community leaders in Chicago’s West Side have called for immediate action to address learning disadvantages faced by Black children. They criticized the Chicago Public Schools’ failure to bridge the opportunity gap for Black students and protested the dismissal of Black principals. Community members presented a proposed school board map to restructure the districts in order to provide more targeted education and resources. Despite CPS announcing a strategic plan to improve school facilities and narrow academic disparities, advocates express disappointment and a lack of urgency in prioritizing Black children’s needs. The removal of Black principals further adds to concerns about the future prospects of Black students and potential negative social outcomes.
