I’m grateful the Tribune published an editorial about the Chicago Board of Education’s consideration of a plan that could ultimately end the city’s system of selective enrollment high schools as we know it (“Be very afraid for city’s stellar selective-enrollment schools,” Dec. 14). Though nothing has been put into writing yet, I am nonetheless filled with concern about this plan’s implications. As a graduate of one of these high schools, I can attest that making these institutions open admissions would be a disastrous act of self-sabotage.
Fundamentally, the Board of Education is wanting to fix something that isn’t broken. Selective enrollment high schools surely have issues surrounding representation and racial exclusion, and those problems definitely need to be addressed. But to claim that they are bastions of white elitism is disingenuous and wrong. These are some of the most diverse educational institutions in the entire city. My school, for instance, was home to many immigrant students, united not by their race or ethnicity but by a broad desire to learn and advance in the world. Furthermore, schools such as Lindblom, which receive fewer accolades than their North Side peers but are still exceptional places of learning, overwhelmingly serve students of color. How would closing or overhauling these institutions advance equity in any way?
The board has, additionally, expressed a desire to move away from school choice and invest in neighborhood schools. This, on paper, is an admirable goal. But changing selective enrollment schools to do so is nonsensical. Though some families may choose to send their children to their neighborhood high school, a significant percentage will instead send their children to private schools like St. Ignatius or DePaul College Prep, whose tuition costs rival that of many public colleges. Some may even relocate to suburban school districts, depriving the city of much-needed tax revenue that could be used to fund struggling neighborhood high schools. Yet many lower income students who cannot afford these options will find themselves stuck, lacking the options their wealthier peers have.
I strongly support investing more in our public schools. This will give all Chicagoans a better chance at a quality education. But we should be focusing on lifting students up, rather than tearing our strongest educational institutions down. I hope Mayor Brandon Johnson and the board understand — equity need not come at the expense of excellence.
— Thomas Vincent, Chicago
Abortion exceptions
The recent cases of Brittany Watts in Ohio and Kate Cox in Texas serve as harrowing reminders of the consequences faced by women in states with draconian abortion laws. Despite Republican assurances, these women’s health emergencies were not just neglected; their personal tragedies were compounded by legal prosecution and denial of essential health care.
Despite what you might hear from Republicans on the campaign trail in 2024, trying to appear moderate by talking about the supposed “exceptions,” it’s all a mirage. The “exceptions” to these laws are neither reliable nor humane. And they’re not just failing women but are actively endangering their lives. This systematic denial of health care is a chilling echo of the once-decried “death panels.”
The only viable path forward is clear and urgent: we must send more Democrats to Congress, reelect President Joe Biden, eliminate the filibuster and firmly codify Roe v. Wade into law. This is a critical step in ensuring that women’s health and rights are not just a matter of political debate but are protected as fundamental human rights.
— Rosemarie Ruhl, Crestwood
Trump’s immunity
Does President Donald Trump have presidential immunity for illegal acts committed while in office? That is the question which Special Counsel Jack Smith has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide. The court, requested Trump’s lawyers respond to Smith’s question by Dec. 20.
If the Supreme Court decides that there is such a thing as presidential immunity then the court is setting a precedent for all former, present and future presidents, regardless of political party. The terrifying truth of presidential immunity is that it is complete and utter unchecked power which would allow any president, regardless of political party, to do anything in office without the fear of future prosecution. A president with such power could imprison journalists, execute political rivals, or rule continually for decades unchallenged.
The answer to Smith’s question is to decide what type of future America will have. It is the most important decision these justices will ever make. Let us pray they will carefully consider their answer.
— Tracy Asanuma, Iron Mountain, Michigan
Wilson’s spirit
I can’t help wondering how amazing it would be to have someone like Willie Wilson be the mayor of Chicago. Wilson’s generosity is somewhat known, and yet goes beyond what I had already known as he was running for mayor. But his faith and compassion guiding his principles in governing Chicago would be an incredibly welcome change and may really help to rebuild our once great city to it’s past glory and perhaps beyond.
Mr. Wilson, don’t lose that spirit you have, Chicagoans will hopefully realize what can and should be guiding the city, and that next election is just around the proverbial corner.
— Michael Martinsen, Glenview
Justifying genocide
Chicago Tribune Opinion
The “no cease fire” letter published in the Chicago Tribune of Dec. 13 tries to justify ongoing brutal genocide of Palestinians under the inhuman siege in Gaza with our tax dollars, arms of all kinds and full diplomatic support. The world sees us complicit in this unchecked holocaust of our times. Truth cannot be suppressed by Israeli propaganda and cleverly spun Zionist narrative to justify continued unjust occupation of the Palestinian people denying their human rights and human dignity. Recently an Israeli government minister called them “human animals” to justify indiscriminate mass killings in Gaza.
In this sad and deplorable situation, many upright Jews of conscience are speaking out against injustice and the misleading Zionist narrative and propaganda that criticism of Israeli government and the Zionist ideology in antisemitism. Professors Avi Shlaim, Norman Finkelstein, Rabbi David Mivasair and many others are speaking out along with many young Jews, such as, the Jewish Voice for Peace, Not in our Name, and others who have been demonstrating against war to stop continued devastation in Gaza and huge loss of civilian lives, mostly women and children. A cease fire is needed.
President Biden recently publicly criticized Israel’s indiscriminate bombing and inhuman siege of Gaza; he has also condemned the ongoing atrocities of the aggressive settlers in the West Bank — where Hamas’s deplorable atrocities against women and children on Oct. 7 do not apply. Will Israel listen to his ardent supporter and benefactor who has put his legacy on the line?
— Imtiaz Uddin, Darien
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