Group Protests School Expulsions

The High HOPES Coalition, a group formed to protest suspensions and expulsions in the Chicago Public Schools, will hold a rally at 3 p.m. today outside Chicago Public Schools headquarters, 125 S. Clark St.

The group was formed in response to the story “Reaching Black Boys” on the investigative website Chicago Catalyst, which found that black males are suspended and expelled at a higher rate than any other group of students. Although they make up only 25 percent of the student body, black boys account for 45 percent of the suspensions and 60 percent of the expulsions.

Pointing out that losing class time leads to failing classes and dropping out (suspended students are three times more likely to quit school), the Coalition wants CPS to reduce suspensions by 40 percent.

“Despite numerous calls from community groups and public officials, CPS has refused to commit resources to reduce student suspensions and arrests,” the Coalition said in a press release. “In 2007, CPS adopted the language of restorative justice in the Student Code of Conduct, and yet for the past 5 years, suspensions, expulsions and arrests have continued at an alarming rate. Restorative justice is a more holistic alternative to punitive disciplinary methods that uses peers juries and peace circles to improve student achievement, school safety and culture.”

Expect around 200 marchers at the demonstration, as well as street theater: students in caps and gowns locked behind bars by two people in masks of Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard.
 

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