At Some CPS Schools, Conversations And Peace Circles Will Replace Traditional Punishment
When Iysha Jones and her team took over Doolittle Elementary School last year, it was a place where students had trouble talking about how they felt because they expected bad behavior to result in harsh discipline, like suspensions. So Jones was elated when she learned recently that she will be one of 15 principals who will be able to hire what is called a restorative justice coordinator next year. Restorative justice practices focus on preventing harms and addressing harms through conversations and peace circles, instead of punishing a student. – Sarah Karp – WBEZ
Cop-Organized Walk Seeks Unity Against Police Brutality
Frustrated and disgusted by the events surrounding the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last month, Normal Police Department third-shift officer Jasmine Johnson went to her chief and asked for a show of department solidarity with protesters. The result was Thursday’s United Against Police Brutality Walk through Uptown Normal, drawing about 100 community residents and police. – Willis Kern – WGLT
Two Illinois Legislators Are Happy About The Supreme Court’s Decision For DACA
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 Thursday to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Two northern Illinois legislators are applauding the decision. State Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin represents Illinois’ 22nd District. She said she is relieved that things turned out the way they did. State Representative Barbara Hernandez represents Illinois’ 83rd district. “Today the students have won, the ‘Dreamers’ have won. And we should continue fighting,” Hernandez said. “We should continue fighting for what we deserve in the community.” – Yvonne Boose – WBEZ
Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Rapidly Rising Among Peoria’s Latinx Population
Hispanic and Latinx people now account for more COVID-19 cases in Peoria County than Blacks. As of Wednesday, just over 30 percent of Peoria County’s 406 confirmed COVID-19 cases identify as Hispanic or Latinx, and a little under 30 percent identify as African American or Black. The rest identify as white. Compare that to a month ago, on May 17, when a bit over 40 percent each of Peoria County’s then-reported 158 cases identified as either white or Black. Another 10 percent or so identified as “other.” – Tim Shelly – WCBU