College application and enrollments rates are way down. More than a decade of progress toward leveling the college playing field for Chicago’s young people now stands in jeopardy.
Tag: Mayor Lori Lightfoot

No, Mayor Lightfoot, You Can’t Reopen Schools and Bars at the Same Time
You can’t do something that is guaranteed to increase community spread at the same time you reopen the schools.

As Parents, We’ve Sized up the Risks, and the Time to Send Kids to School Is Now
Seldom, if ever, has there been a time in American history when the kids were eager to return to school, while the teachers dreaded returning and even threatened to boycott. However, this upside-down reality is exactly the case in Chicago today. This morning, members of the Chicago City Council’s education committee are holding a hearing to hear Chicago Public Schools…

The ‘Second Surge’ Should Keep CPS Kids At Home, Period!
Today, city leaders announced the ‘second surge’ of coronavirus is upon us. Experts have predicted it was coming for months. Yet, on Friday, the Chicago Public Schools announced it was planning a return to school in November for preK students and students with the most significant need for in person special education. This makes zero sense, not only to me,…

Mayor Lightfoot–And All of Us–Must Push Comcast to Make Good on Their Free Internet Promise
Comcast’s offer of free Internet doesn’t extend to families who owe them money. In other words, families in serious financial trouble can’t get Internet for their kids to keep learning. Read more to learn how to join our campaign to change this.

Chicagoans Speak Out Against Keeping CPS Schools Open in the Face of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Last night, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a new set of measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. Those measures did not include closing schools. Chicago Public Schools announced they will keep district schools operating as usual. Currently, only Vaughn Occupational, where a staff member tested positive for coronavirus, is closed. According…

You Can’t Always Get What You Want, But I Hope the CTU Contract Gets What Our Kids Need
I support the teachers’ main reasons for striking. We need more social workers and special education teachers. Let’s focus on equity and compromise to get an agreement.

Fighting for Justice Still Kills Black People; White Allies, Do Your Share
I woke up this morning to two stories dominating my news feed. First, the sudden death of the beloved Black congressman and justice fighter from Baltimore, Elijah Cummings. Second, enthusiastic support for the Chicago Teachers Union strike. I saw the face of their campaign, Stacy Davis Gates, fiercely handling the media and countering Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. To many of…