(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Across Chicago, students protested violence in the Middle East while some members of Chicago’s Jewish community spoke out against sit-ins to protest Israel at Chicago Public Schools.
Some students at a South Loop high school ditched their fourth period classes to show their support for the Palestinian people as war continues.
The scene outside of Jones College Prep during fourth period included: a few Chicago Police officers, school security guards and a man donning a “ceasefire now” sign.
“I think having people go out and express their feelings is a great way to get out and gain different perspectives and all that,” Senior Nico Allen said.
Students expressed those feelings in the form of a sit-in in the south building’s lobby.
Oliver Minkov, a Jones Prep senior, says the demonstration is worth missing a class or two.
“More and more people are starting to find out about it and become more informed. The longer this is going on, the more attention it’s gaining, and I think more people do want to express whatever they believe in.”
Once classes were done for the day, a small group of students took to a megaphone for several chants before boarding a bus.
CPS leaders warned of disciplinary action if the demonstration lasted more than half an hour or if students missed classes afterwards.
Around the same time the sit-in was happening, about two dozen people gathered at the Loop Synagogue on South Clark Street to say that CPS and city leaders must do more to protect Jewish students.
“We demand that the Chicago Teachers Union be held accountable for the way that the war against Hamas is presented by its teachers,” Rabbi Michael Siegel said,
“That history be taught representing all sides of the conflict that the legitimate concerns of Israelis and Palestinians be represented. That informed criticism being encouraged when warranted.”
Inna Tsimerman, who has a child attending Walter Payton College Prep, was supportive of students’ speech, but felt there should be some parameters.
“Everybody standing in this room [and] all of the students in our schools should absolutely be free to speak, and including, speak about things with which I vehemently and wholeheartedly disagree. But, they should never be able to call for harm, particularly at schools."
Sarah Van Loon with the American Jewish Committee says school leaders across the country, including here in Chicago are failing Jewish students.
“I hear from parents that for their student, it's easier to just stay home on the days where their antagonists plan protests, whether it's a walk out or a sit-in, rather than face the intimidation and harassment and bullying of their peers.”
Others cited the "Chi Vs. Hate Ordinance," which aims to collect reports of disturbing acts that might fall short of a crime, but hint at more troubling actions.
Chicago Public Schools issued the following statement about the demonstration at Jones College Prep on Wednesday:
Students have a fundamental constitutional right to free expression, and Chicago Public Schools encourages students to take an active role in civic life. Chicago Public Schools also has an obligation to ensure a safe school environment for all students and staff.
The District has provided guidance to ensure any student-led action, including sit-ins or demonstrations, are carried out in the least disruptive manner possible. We have also reminded our school communities of our District's policies prohibiting harassment, discrimination, and bias-based harm — as well as our established procedures for reporting bias-based harm and potential consequences for those who violate policy.
Specific to Jones College Prep, CPS has been working closely with the principal and the school community to ensure the safety of all students. The principal has met with student organizers to ensure that the protest keeps to the District’s 30-minute time limit, avoids disturbing non-participating students, and does not include harassment or discrimination of fellow students or staff. Jones College Prep has also organized supportive spaces and resources for non-participating students to utilize if they choose.
While we support students’ constitutional right to free expression, harassment, discrimination, and bias-based harm have no place in our school community and will not be tolerated. If an incident of discrimination, harassment, or bias-based harm is reported, it will be investigated by the District’s Office of Student Protections and Title IX. This includes reports of online discrimination, harassment, and bias-based harm. If it is substantiated, individuals will be held accountable for their actions according to the District’s policies and procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct and Non-Discrimination Policy. Students are encouraged to report incidents of bias-based harm against students at cps.edu/OSP; staff MUST report incidents of bias-based harm against students at cps.edu/OSP; staff are encouraged to report incidents of bias-based harm against staff at cps.edu/EOCO. Any student who is found to have led or engaged in bias-based language or behavior leading up to, during, or following Wednesday’s demonstration, will be subject to disciplinary action.
Students who participate in the sit-in but do not return to class in a timely fashion will be subject to an unexcused absence, parental/guardian notification, and handled in accordance with the Students Rights & Responsibilities as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok