Homeless Education Policy, (C)Overt Forms of Racial Injustice, and the Slow Violence of Neoliberal Rationality

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives of Neoliberalism

Abstract

This paper discusses school closings in relationship to their impact on poor, unstably housed, black students in Chicago. Critical Race Theory (CRT) was used to understand and analyze Chicago Public Schools (CPS) decision to close 49 schools. Key stakeholders involved in transitioning students from closed/consolidated schools were interviewed. Further, document analysis of court records regarding three cases where CPS was named as a Defendant in litigation brought forth by families (parents/students) impacted by CPS’ school actions; Chicago Teacher’s Union data and IL General Assembly’s Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force were completed. Findings reveal promoting equitable, and effective education policy for black students experiencing housing instability means working against white supremacy and slow violence found throughout the US and world.

Authors

• Ann M. Aviles, University of Delaware

• Jessica Heybach, Aurora University