Aug 19, 2008 5:16 pm US/Central
School Boycott Supporters, Opponents Lock Horns
Some Fear Students Will Use Protest As Excuse To Play Hooky
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Protesters and promoters of the back-to-school boycott continue their fight to get the attention of the Chicago public school students.
This time the door-to-door message was delivered on the Southeast Side of the city. And a few miles away, on the city's Southwest Side, an opposing message was spread.
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports there are new concerns now about what happens to students who skip school.
But ministers promoting a boycott say they've got lots of support. They predict busloads of students will take the trip to New Trier High School in north suburban Winnetka to highlight the inequities between wealthy suburban schools and Chicago public schools.
School mentors like Marsha Miles support the trip.
"There's strength in numbers," Miles said. "If enough students make that point perhaps the politicians will listen. A lot of dollars are misguided."
But sources within the administration tell CBS 2 News that they've conducted an unscientific survey and concluded that the boycott is not that popular.
Sources say boycotters have little, if any, support among whites, Asians or Hispanics.
At the predominantly Hispanic Columbia Explorers Academy, the principal agrees.
"Zero support. None at all," said Principal Jose Barrere. "Parents are calling to make sure school will start on time."
Another concern among those opposed to the boycott is that some students who skip class may also skip the bus to New Trier.
"I just think it's more of an excuse now to just hang out in the streets and not do anything," said Trey the Choklit-Jok of Power 92 WPWX.
In response to that concern, boycott organizers argue that supportive parents will make sure the students get on the bus. And, they say, say retired teachers and principals will be on hand to provide lessons during the walk out.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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