In town this week to show support to Benton Harbor Area Schools as the state offers to wipe out some of its debt in exchange for closure of the high school is Chicago-based activist Jitu Brown with the Journey for Justice Alliance. He tells WSJM News his own city has faced a round of school closures in primarily black communities, and sees similarities to Benton Harbor. Brown says the “land grab” claims have credibility.
“Benton Harbor is, of course, sitting by the riverfront,” Brown said. “Prime real estate, and just like Chicago, when my community was hit in 2004, I lived and worked…on the south side of Chicago. We were ten minutes from downtown, and we were right off the lakefront. Prime property.”
Brown says children in less affluent communities aren’t given the same educational opportunities, and opportunities for inspiration, as those in richer areas. As a result, they’re told that they’re failing and have their schools closed. Brown also blames School of Choice policies for harming certain schools.
“It’s without question that the real purpose of the notion of school choice is to take away the right to educational institutions in our community. These schools get to pick and choose the children they want and kick out the ones they don’t with mediocre results.”
Brown says the state needs a school funding model that allows equity for all children. He adds Governor Gretchen Whitmer must realize her error and be held accountable for it. He believes state leaders already know closing Benton Harbor High School won’t help the students.
