Chicago officials have announced plans to open a new arts-focused school in a school once slated for closure, but protesters who have disrupted budget meetings vowed to continue a hunger strike over perceived racial disparities and other issues in the city’s education system.
Parents and activists have opposed the phased-out closure of Walter H. Dyett High School in the Bronzeville neighborhood for years. The district cited poor performance and declining enrollment, but officials later said they’d consider proposals to reopen.
One group ratcheted up opposition last month with a hunger strike. Twelve protesters have cited racial disparities in the district as a prime motivator and said they’d continue doing without food until their proposal gets better reception.
