Do they teach the meaning of hyperbole in the Chicago Public Schools? In March, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis declared Rahm Emanuel the “Murder Mayor” and accused him of “murdering public services” and “murdering our ability to maintain public sector jobs.” And tonight, protesters will hold a vigil for the children “killed” by the mayor and the school board.
Protester during Byrd Bennett speech: "Children will die because CPS lied." #CPSclosings
— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) May 22, 2013
As Twitchy reported, protesters began marching Sunday with signs reading, “Rahm’s racist school closings spill student blood.” If there’s anything worth protesting, it’s the abysmal quality of Chicago’s public schools, despite teachers earning $76,000 per year on average (the second highest in the nation).
Well, as long as the protesters keep things civil, it’s all good. A drum circle should make things right.
Drum circle outside of board of Ed in Chicago right now. #cpsclosings pic.twitter.com/vwphKJ3XpZ
— Miki Takes Photos (@MikiTakesPhotos) May 22, 2013
Drum circle still going strong, despite the horrible board of Ed vote. #cpsclosings pic.twitter.com/3h1NBEUyl7
— Miki Takes Photos (@MikiTakesPhotos) May 22, 2013
On the ground in front of the door to #CPS HQ. #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/FpBq5csRnD
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 22, 2013
. @ChiStudentsOrg: This will not be the only vigil. #CPSclosings will kill so many more children #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/h47VSLHv6k
— Gregory Goodman (@gregrgoodman) May 22, 2013
Recommended
"We are here to fight for justice, it will not be given, we will take it." Brian CPS student. #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/S1wT7WgPdK
— agitator in chief (@soit_goes) May 22, 2013
Protest getting rowdy indoors: "How you spell racist? CPS!" #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/RKQkIeWk1J
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) May 22, 2013
There's a CPD tactical team across the street from us right now. They're usually used for gang violence. #cpsclosings pic.twitter.com/Iv9wmjBzZe
— Miki Takes Photos (@MikiTakesPhotos) May 22, 2013
. @ChiStudentsOrg students were arrested last week to protest violence that will come from #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/ONBsSkZVI0
— Gregory Goodman (@gregrgoodman) May 22, 2013
Nine-year-old Chicago kid tells Rahm Emanuel: "We are not toys. We are not going down without a fight.” http://t.co/ZCFHvSs3lv
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) May 22, 2013
For its part, the Chicago Board of Education says that closing 50 underutilized school buildings will allow the city to reallocate public funds to provide air conditioning in every classroom, upgraded Internet bandwidth, and iPads for all students in grade 3–8, among other improvements. At least one protester likens the school board’s vote to attempted genocide, though.
"It is our duty to fight! It is our duty to win! We have nothing to lose but our chains!" #CPSclosings pic.twitter.com/g8l5jKLAyZ
— Nick Jefferson (@nickajefferson) May 22, 2013
"We have nothing to lose but our chains" – right now outside of the Chicago board of education. #cpsclosings pic.twitter.com/Np3oG6h70U
— Miki Takes Photos (@MikiTakesPhotos) May 22, 2013
They want to wipe us out as a race, we fought and every day and they didn't listen. This hurts. #cpsclosings pic.twitter.com/YYu4S3Qmty
— xian franzinger barrett (@xianb8) May 22, 2013
Join the conversation as a VIP Member