“Democracy” in Chicago?
A parent in Chicago wrote to explain how difficult it is for parents or anyone else to speak at a “public” hearing.
A true grassroots parent group in Chicago, 19th Ward Parents, attend every monthly meeting of the Board of Ed at CPS.
One of our parents was ejected by security because she dared to ask when public participation would be permitted.
It was already difficult to speak at a BoE meeting. But it has become more difficult since Emanuel has been mayor, and the Board pushed the public participation to the very end of the meeting.
For example, individuals can speak to the Board only every other month.
Speakers have only 2 minutes.
You must get up very early to sign in.
CPS works closely with Stand for Children, who recruited speakers in support of the longer day. CPS staff got up early to stand in line for the Stand speakers, who arrived at a more reasonable