Westmont, IL – Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery released the following statement after the passage of HB 2170.
“Structural racism has been a part of our education system with especially detrimental effects on communities of color; today’s passage of HB 2170 will help address the inequalities that exist in all levels of education. The bill will help bridge the educational gaps that have existed for Black and Brown children from early childhood to higher education. Resources to close the digital divide, provide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) supports, and strengthen post-secondary transitions will promote equity and help bring real justice to education.
“Thank you to the bill sponsors Senator Kimberly Lightford, Representative Carol Ammons, and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus for addressing systemic racism and advocating for our children.
“The IFT looks forward to continuing the work that the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus has started in order to transform our education system into one that centers and prioritizes Black and Brown children, families, and communities.
“We look forward to working with Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to help move forward with these important initiatives.”
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The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) represents 103,000 teachers and paraprofessionals in PreK-12 school districts throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at Illinois’ community colleges and universities, public employees under every statewide elected constitutional officer, and retirees.
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