Chicago's "Open and Accommodating" Stance on Illegal Immigrants Sparks Debate

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson touts his city's welcoming attitude towards undocumented immigrants, while a new school funding formula raises concerns among selective schools.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has declared the city "open and quite accommodating" to illegal immigrants, drawing both praise and criticism. Johnson's stance contrasts with that of some other Democratic-led cities, which have adopted more restrictive policies.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has implemented a new "equity-based" funding formula that prioritizes funding for underfunded schools, raising concerns among selective schools like LaSalle Language Academy. The district's traditional enrollment-based funding model has been criticized for creating funding disparities.

LaSalle Language Academy, renowned for its world language programs, fears budget cuts could impact its language offerings. The school's diversity and inclusiveness have been hailed, and parents worry that the funding changes could erode these values.

CPS officials have defended the new funding model, claiming it addresses funding inequity that has persisted for decades. Advocates have argued against the enrollment-based model, which they say has led to unequal opportunities for students.

The new formula aims to uplift disadvantaged schools by shifting resources away from selective schools. Parents and students at selective schools have expressed concerns that their programs will be compromised.

CPS officials have clarified that the resolution does not immediately affect selective enrollment schools, but could lead to community discussions on their future.

The funding formula changes come amid a $391 million budget deficit facing CPS. The district has also grappled with dwindling COVID-relief funds.

The new funding formula stems from a resolution passed last year by CPS to prioritize neighborhood schools and address "long-standing structural racism and socio-economic inequality."

The resolution aims to reduce privatization and admissions policies that contribute to stratification and inequity within CPS. Selective enrollment schools will continue to receive funding to support their programs.

CPS has emphasized that it will provide regular updates on the new funding model to principals, Local Schools Councils, and parents through outreach and the CPS website.