RUSH REACTS TO HOLDER, DUNCAN VISIT

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bobby L. Rush (IL-01) released the following statement in response to a visit to Chicago by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in the wake of the nationally broadcast beating death of 16-year-old Fenger High School student Derrion Albert:

"It is always good to welcome Holder and Duncan back into Chicago," Rep. Rush said, "but it is not a good sign when they come to address why more than 500 school-age children have been shot or killed within the last year. Earlier this year, I introduced the Communities in Action Neighborhood Defense and Opportunity (CAN DO) bill as a comprehensive public health and safety strategy designed to reduce youth homicides and gun violence. If passed, the legislation will provide grants to six U.S. cities with the highest number of youth gun-related homicides.  I am working with the Department of Justice to implement this strategy and appreciate the dialogue I have had with Attorney General Holder on this issue.

"I also commend the parents from Altgeld Gardens who are protesting against current public school policies that have put many of their children at risk," he continued. "Derrion's death was a direct result of ongoing conflicts between students from Fenger and youth who formerly attended nearby Carver High School who were forced together as part of a citywide school reorganization plan.  In the meantime, this city must not criminalize every Fenger student—or every young person living within our city limits—in order to usher in quick-fix solutions that turn our public schools into public jails.

"It is important that parents and students remain involved in every single step of the planning process that goes into resolving school conflicts and reducing youth violence," Rush concluded. "Youth must take personal responsibility for their actions. Fear-mongering gets us no where. We must restore a sense of peace and learning in Fenger High School and Carver High School should open its doors to the youth of the community and not shut them out. I stand with these parents and their children in their fight for self-determination, safe communities and quality education."