Oct 8, 2008 10:36 am US/Central
Duncan Refuses Anti-Gun Violence Award
Chicago Schools CEO Says With Student Deaths, He Hasn't Earned Distinction
CHICAGO (STNG) ―
His voice quaking with emotion, Chicago Schools CEO Arne Duncan refused to accept an anti-gun violence award Tuesday, saying, "I don't feel I have earned it" with student deaths on track to double this school year.
Duncan left the Abraham Lincoln Award from the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence on a side table, but walked away from the lectern at the Ritz-Carlton to a standing ovation from an obviously moved audience.
But first, Duncan choked back tears as she recited this year's grim tally: Eight Chicago Public Schools students killed since Sept. 2 -- the equivalent of two a week.
"At this rate we could lose 60 or 80 children this year," Duncan said. At this rate, CPS could double last year's 35 student deaths, he said. "Whole classrooms" of kids are dying each year, he said.
Pausing at one point to compose himself, Duncan said, "Our children are dying and no one can stop it. …And so, while I am deeply honored to be here…I don't feel I can quite accept this award, not quite yet. I don't feel I have earned it."
Tom Mannard, the Council's executive director, said it was the first time in 26 years that someone refused the Lincoln Award. "This is unprecedented, but it's all for the right reasons" he said.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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