A Black advocacy group has recently criticized Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for allegedly failing Black students across Illinois. Darius Jones, the founder and executive director of the National Black Empowerment Action Fund, slammed Pritzker for what he perceives as a lack of support for Black students in the state. The group, which typically aligns with Democratic policies and politicians, accused Pritzker of underfunding schools and denying Black students the high-quality public education they deserve.
Critics argue that Pritzker’s failure to adequately fund education in accordance with state law has put multiple generations of Black children at a severe disadvantage. The Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act, signed into law in Illinois in 2017, outlined a specific formula for allocating education funding and required the full funding of public schools by 2027. However, according to the National Black Empowerment Action Fund and the Partnership for Equity and Education Rights, Illinois must increase its education funding by over $7 billion by 2027, far surpassing the current funding levels.
Despite the law’s requirements, funding for education in Illinois has only been increased by the minimum amount each year, including during Pritzker’s administration. The NBEAF report highlights that if the state continues to only meet the bare minimum annually, it will not come close to meeting the law’s deadline for full funding. This discrepancy in funding has disproportionately affected Black students, with 95% of their school districts currently being underfunded. On the other hand, White students in Illinois are over four times more likely to be in well-funded districts, further exacerbating racial disparities in education.
The criticism of Governor Pritzker’s handling of education funding comes at a crucial time, just days before he hosts Democratic leaders from across the country in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. The report’s findings shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Black students in Illinois and the urgent need for equitable education funding to ensure all students have access to quality education.
Repercussions of Underfunding
The underfunding of schools in Illinois, particularly in districts with a high percentage of Black students, has far-reaching consequences for students and communities. Without adequate resources and support, schools struggle to provide essential services and programs that are crucial for student success. This leads to disparities in academic achievement, graduation rates, and overall educational outcomes for Black students compared to their White counterparts.
Furthermore, underfunded schools often lack essential resources such as updated textbooks, technology, and extracurricular activities that can enrich the learning experience and provide students with a well-rounded education. This lack of resources can hinder students’ academic growth and limit their opportunities for future success, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and disadvantage for Black students in Illinois.
Impact on Communities
The underfunding of schools not only affects individual students but also has a broader impact on communities as a whole. Research has shown that well-funded schools are associated with higher property values, economic development, and overall community well-being. In contrast, underfunded schools can contribute to a decline in property values, limited economic opportunities, and increased social disparities within communities.
Additionally, disparities in education funding can exacerbate existing inequalities and perpetuate systemic racism within society. By neglecting the needs of Black students and underfunding their schools, policymakers are essentially denying these students the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, limited opportunities, and social marginalization that disproportionately affects Black communities in Illinois.
Call for Action
The criticism of Governor Pritzker’s handling of education funding in Illinois serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize equity and fairness in education. Advocates, educators, parents, and students must come together to demand adequate funding for schools, particularly in districts with a high percentage of Black students, to ensure that all students have access to quality education.
Investing in education is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. By providing students with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, we are investing in the future of our communities and our state. It is essential that policymakers uphold their commitment to fully fund public schools in accordance with state law and ensure that all students, regardless of their race or background, have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.
In conclusion, the criticism of Governor Pritzker’s handling of education funding in Illinois highlights the urgent need for equitable and adequate funding for schools, particularly in districts with a high percentage of Black students. By prioritizing equity and fairness in education funding, we can ensure that all students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. It is time for policymakers to take action and invest in the future of our students and our communities by fully funding public schools and providing all students with a high-quality education.
