Chicago Moms Victorious in Sit-in for a Library

by Alex DiBranco · 2010-10-22 15:58:00 UTC
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Ever been totally frustrated with the state of education in your district? Well, a group of Chicago moms just proved: yes, you can make a difference.

When Chicago school officials decided to bulldoze "La Casita," a community center used by youth at the mostly-Latino Whittier Elementary, in favor of a soccer field (for private school students), a group of moms decided enough was enough. Whittier didn't even have a library, and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials wanted to take away the only gathering spot the students had? No way. Starting on Sept. 15, the moms staged a sit-in that became a camp out, with committed parents sleeping in La Casita to keep it safe from the wrecking crew. They vowed not to leave until CPS promised to turn the tiny structure into a library — with the help of donated books and labor that the moms had gotten volunteered.

Yesterday, Carol Scott reported on the Education blog that these Wonder Moms have reached an agreement that will result in a library for their children. CPS will build a library inside Whittier Elementary, and La Casita will be leased to the moms' group for use as a community center, from which they can plot their next big establishment upset.

Of course, it's not over until it's over, and these Chicago moms aren't going to be left out in the cold by CPS. Though an agreement has been reached, the moms will continue camping out until the School Board's official vote on October 27, just to make sure there's no funny business. So Change.org members can still sign the petition in support of Chicago moms, to make sure school officials keep feeling the heat.

Whittier Elementary is only one of a 160 Chicago schools that lack the basic tool of a library. This campaign has called attention to the disgraceful shortage, and hopefully provided an example for other parents to take matters into their own hands and stand up to educational injustice. Never doubt that a small group of caring, committed moms can change the world.

Photo credit: kristen_a (Meringue Bake Shop)

Alex DiBranco is a Change.org Editor who has worked for the Nation, Political Research Associates, and the Center for American Progress. She is now based in New York City.

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