Chicago Mayor Under Fire For New Move Toward Equity In Public Schools

The Chicago School Board recently approved a resolution to move away from selective enrollment and school choice in order to address the problem of structural racism and socio-economic inequality in the city. However, this move has faced criticism from the Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson, who had previously stated that he would not end the selective enrollment process in the city’s schools.

Denisha Allen, a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, spoke out against the shift during an interview on “Fox & Friends”, calling it a “facade of morality” and advocating for school choice. Allen argued that students do not have true freedom within the current school system, describing it as a “prison-type system” that needs to be overhauled entirely. She stated that the money allocated for schools should be given directly to parents so that they can choose the best school for their child.

The resolution passed by the School Board seeks to transition away from privatization and policies that drive student enrollment away from neighborhood schools, further exacerbating socio-economic inequality. The Board intends to bolster neighborhood schools as a means of addressing long-standing structural inequities in the school system.

Critics argue that this move will not provide effective solutions to the existing problems in the school system. They fear that the focus on neighborhood schools may lead to greater segregation and may not address underlying issues such as underfunding, inadequate resources, and unequal access to education.

The debate around school choice and selective enrollment is not unique to Chicago, as it is a contentious issue in various cities across the United States. Supporters of school choice believe that it empowers parents to choose the best possible education for their children, regardless of their socio-economic status or where they reside. Opponents argue that it leads to segregation and undermines public education.

As the School Board begins to implement this resolution, it remains to be seen how effective it will be in addressing the challenges faced by the Chicago school system. While the Mayor and the Board have different visions for the future of education in the city, their ultimate goal is to provide high-quality education to all students, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.