U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan Criticizes Gun Violence, Police Misconduct
Frustrated with child murders and concerned about police misconduct, Arne Duncan used his last speech as U.S. education secretary to address gun violence in America.
“We have to get guns out of the wrong people’s hands,” said Duncan on Wednesday as tears welled in his eyes in the basement of St. Sabina Church, 1210 W. 78th Pl., Chicago, Ill. “We have to make sure our babies are safe.”
In the first six years of his tenure as secretary, Duncan said 16,000 young people fell victim to gun violence.
“When you think about 16,000 children being murdered on my watch . . . a lot of things I’m very proud of, that’s not one of them,” he said.
Duncan said the deaths were “devastating” losses that no family should have to experience.
He added that he was frustrated that Washington hasn’t done enough to keep guns off the streets.
In his address, Duncan said violence has contributed to causing some young people to have a sense of hopelessness and drop out of high school. In fact, believe they might not make it to adulthood, he said.
Teens are saying “if I grow up, not when,” Duncan said.
Because of the problems, Duncan said it was time for a “new deal” for youngsters, starting with strong and effective preschools.
He also said youth need effective mentorship programs and job opportunities.
The “new deal” might keep youngsters from joining gangs, he suggested.
“I have yet to hear of a gang that says they are not hiring,” Duncan said,
He added that black businesses needed to be supported. He said there are few black businesses among the top grossing ones in Chicago.
In his speech, Duncan also criticized police departments, which have come under scrutiny in the last year for police brutality allegations, including in Chicago.
He acknowledged many officers do a good job but criticized a “code of silence” by them.
He said some officers write reports different than what happened.
“I think that some cops think they can get away with this because, guess what, they have,” Duncan said.
Police training also has to be addressed, he said.
He added, “Having a gun, owning a gun, is a massive responsibility.”
“Cops have to be trained on when to use that gun and when not to,” he said.
At the same time, Duncan said: “If we were to fix every police department today in need of help, in need of change, if we were able to do that, that be great.”
“But if we don’t fix the communities where so many of our children are dying, if we don’t address the underlying causes of why so many children are dying and dropping out, then we cannot begin to declare victory.”
Duncan, whose last day as secretary is Thursday, made his remarks in his hometown. St. Sabina has been among the more active churches in Chicago focusing on gun violence. Father Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina’s pastor, regularly holds anti-violence marches during summer months on Chicago’s South Side. In 1998, Pfleger’s foster son, Jarvis Franklin, was killed by a stray bullet.
In response to questions from guests and reporters, Duncan said he didn’t plan to seek elective office.
Now that Duncan has moved back to Chicago, he said he wants to continue working to help improve the problems affecting young people.
He was one of the longest-serving members of President Barack Obama’s Cabinet.
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