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The U.S. Supreme Court Has Made Their Decision, Now What Can You Do About It?
Greetings,
I am Scott L. Steward, founder and CEO of Genius Lab, Inc. and one of two Vice Presidents of Chicago Youth Programs (CYP). The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action policies has signaled an urgent call for action to uphold our commitment to equitable education, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by this decision.
Chicago, a city steeped in rich history and cultural diversity, is one such community. However, it is also a city marked by disparities. The most alarming of these disparities are the rising violence rates, disproportionately affecting African American communities. According to the Chicago Police Department’s 2022 Annual Report, African Americans, who constitute approximately 30% of the city’s population, accounted for nearly 70% of its homicide victims. These alarming statistics cannot be ignored.
We cannot overlook the correlation between educational opportunity, economic stability, and violence. When we fail to invest in the education of our youth, especially those from underserved communities, we risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and violence that affects all of us, directly or indirectly.
Action — that is what we need. Action driven by an understanding that education…
