In the practice of human services, responsibility, accountability and empathy are essential, and humanity is required. When a people’s lived experience is oppression, it is much more egregious to denigrate another distressed population. Black voices count, particularly those in leadership whose voices reverberate.
How effective is the NAACP or any organization to have, as its voice, a spokesperson who labels another vulnerable minority group as “savages,” rapists and burglars? Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley suggested to reporters that those comments toward migrants were not hers, but rather that it was artificial intelligence. That response is informing. Advocacy for the most powerless requires character and truthfulness. Haley expressed her truths. We should believe the feelings she expressed among local NAACP branch leaders.
Was former DuPage County NAACP President Patrick Watson the only local leader to be offended? Shamelessly, other NAACP leaders have criticized Watson for releasing the video of Haley’s remarks by comparing his determination to uphold NAACP tenets to government tactics.
The United States is a nation of immigrants. Historically, its greatest sin is the atrocities suffered by Indigenous Americans and enslaved African Americans. Those groups await reconciliation as poor health and academic outcomes caused by disproportionate treatment continue to burden our nation.
The NAACP must respond to the responsibility, accountability and empathy question with consequential changes. In light of Haley’s suspension, it’s questionable if we should trust an operation that empowered Illinois NAACP branches to affirm her with their votes as a representative following a vicious and racist rant made public.
Arguably, the United States needs a humane and sensible immigration policy that supports and protects our citizenry but also keeps migrants and refugees fleeing their birth countries safe, as well as minimizes trauma. Let’s hope the NAACP’s vast experience as an advocacy organization for civil rights takes the opportunity to join forces with Chicago and Illinois state leaders to foster humanity and facilitate a process to oversee rights for all concerned with resolute and humane leadership.
An apology from someone who holds Haley’s views is insufficient as a resolution. The NAACP is a human rights organization, and to show empathy toward others no matter how they enter this country is demanded.
— Janice F. Guider, former member, NAACP, Naperville
Haley should step down
If Illinois NAACP President Teresa Haley does not step down, or if the NAACP does not force her to step down, the association will lose significant credibility. The civil rights organization in Illinois is at a point now in which it has a leader who has vilified more than 25,000 people of color by calling them savages and making what looks like unsubstantiated allegations that some migrants have committed horrible crimes.
An apology will not do it. To have a state NAACP president attack any group of people, let alone people of color, is disgraceful. Perhaps Haley suffered a moment of misdirected anger, but her comments were still reprehensible. The NAACP cannot afford to let this incident pass without taking action.
Should Haley remain state president of the NAACP, the association will lose no small amount of integrity.
— Terry Takash, Western Springs
High schools’ diversity
Chicago’s magnet schools have allowed students of all races to attend racially diverse schools. However, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Board of Education, with the likely encouragement of the Chicago Teachers Union, appear to want to eliminate selective-enrollment schools. This is going to deny students the opportunity to have access to an enriching curriculum while experiencing a diverse student body. Students will attend schools in their respective neighborhoods without the opportunity to interact with a diverse student body.
— Françoise Friedman, Chicago
Possible ripple effects
Chicago’s selective-enrollment schools may soon be dismantled. There’s a move afoot to dump the top selective-enrollment magnet and charter school programs in order to provide an equalizing educational effect for the rest of the city’s public schools. Parents clamor to get their children tested with the hope that their child will be accepted to one of the 11 elite selective-enrollment schools. The perception has long been that a child will receive a premium education with broader curricula and superior instruction by attending one of these selective-enrollment schools.
What will the reaction be if selective-enrollment schools are abolished? Will parents elect to spend the money and send their children to private schools or move to the suburbs?
— Michael Oakes, Chicago
Bettering Chicago schools
The current city administration is focusing on the crown jewels of our educational system — Chicago’s selective-enrollment high schools. Is it because these schools show how Chicago Public Schools is failing the rest of the city? Hence, the response is take these schools down so the discrepancy is not as obvious. If it’s not broke ... break it?
These are not elitist schools! The elites are the students who see value and a future in a great education and are not focused on their smartphones all day long. The teachers who facilitate their dreams are also the elite. The graduates of these schools are the lifeblood of our country — contributing citizens.
Chicago Tribune Opinion
If the demographics of these schools were to be made public, they would show that minorities are the majority. Graduates of these schools may be the first in their families to go on to higher education. Well off? My old school, Lane Tech, just had a winter coat drive for the students. Earlier this year, it had a food drive. Elite?
Why not replicate what these schools do throughout the city? Children from every neighborhood should have the opportunity to attend a quality school. Where is the will of CPS and the city leaders? The mayor promised enhanced early education. Start there and build upon it.
It’s not going to happen overnight, but let go of the fixation on the crown jewels and put that energy into building a better school system for all the children of Chicago.
— Bill Gurolnick, Lane Tech Class of 1948, Northbrook
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