Preschoolers Join Fight to Save Schools at CTU Rally
Three year-old Lourdes Moore could barely hold the protest sign that towered above her as she and other preschool- and school-aged children braved the cold and the crowds last Wednesday to join the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) rally and march to protest the proposed closure of 54 Chicago public schools.
Holding a sign that read: "Hey Board of Ed: STOP BULLYING Students, Parents and Teachers," little Lourdes, dressed in layers to shield her from Chicago's downtown chill, probably was not able to fully comprehend the message on her sign or the meaning of her presence at the event. However she courageously stood amongst adults and older children who took a stand against consolidations that parents, teachers and community activist say will impact hers and the future of hundreds of other children who will be uprooted and moved into other schools under CPS's consolidation plan.
"I have children at Altgeld Elementary School," said Lourdes' dad, Richard Moore who wore a blue Action Now tee-shirt and arrived at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., with the group.
Located at 1340 W. 71st St., Altgeld Elementary is recommended by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to close into Wentworth Elementary School, 6950 S. Sangamon St.
"If they continue to close all these school s, where will the kids go," Richard Moore asked.
Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis, who led the protest, spoke harsh words during the rally obviously aimed at CPS leadership and Mayor Rahm Emanuel whom she called the "murder mayor" last week after the proposed school closings were announced.
"Let's not pretend that when you close schools on the South and West side, the kids who will be affected aren't black," Lewis said from the podium setup at Daley Plaza for the event. "Let's not pretend that's not racist."
Chicago police stood along Washington between Dearborn and Clark Streets, as protestors comprised of community organizations, parents, teachers and students began to arrive at about 3 p.m. to Daley Plaza, chanting various slogans including, "Rahm Emanuel must go!"
By 4:47 p.m. protestors were arriving by bus loads and on foot from all sides of the loop, adding to rush hour pedestrian and traffic congestion bringing movement in the area to a standstill.
Police estimates protest participant numbers at about 700 to 900, according to news reports. A CTU spokeswoman said the union was "appalled" by the police department's number and put their estimate at about 5,000 and 6,500.
Nazaree Azure stood and watched the protest from a distance holding a sign as Lewis gave her speech.
"I had children in the CPS system and I've gone through school closings before" said Azure who was on her way home from work and decided to stop and take in the activity. "This time, it seems like the ultimate sweep. You've already taken housing and now you're taking schools. What happens when children have no place to go?"
Setting a course for a future demonstration, Lewis told students in the massive crowd, to show up at their "real" school on the first day of school this fall.
"Don't let people take your school," Lewis said. "It's not over brothers and sisters. We need to be in the streets and everywhere. But do not let this moment pass you by."
Patricia Williams with granddaughters Jeniya Harris, 3 and Crystal Williams, who attend Overton Elementary School, 229 E. 49th St., recommended for closure into Mollison Elementary School, 4415 S. King Dr., were there to fight to keep schools open. Little Jeniya held up a sign that read: "Why Are Most School Closings in Black and Brown Communities?" a sentiment expressed by others who say African American and Latino communities are unfairly targeted by the CPS and Rahm Emanuel.
Chicago Public Schools chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett issued a statement regarding the rally that said, "I fully support the rights of individuals to express their opinion and as a former teacher and principal who has lived through school closings, I know this is not easy for our communities," Byrd-Bennett said. "But as CEO of this District, I need to make decisions that put our children first. For too long, children at underutilized schools have been cheated of the resources they need to succeed. Consolidating underutilized schools will allow us to safely move these children to a higher-performing welcoming school near their home with all investments they need to thrive in the classroom. That's my commitment and it's one we will keep when school starts this fall."
Following the rally, a protest march led to a sit-in of about 150 people in the southbound lanes of LaSalle Street outside City Hall.
Some protestors were led away peacefully by police with their hands behind their backs but were not handcuffed or arrested. According to police, about 127 people were issued tickets.
By Deborah Bayliss
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