Watch CBS News

Police Arrest Demonstrators Protesting School Closings

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Opponents of the Chicago public schools closing plan are taking the gloves off…in the streets and in the courts. CBS 2's Mike Parker reports.

The shouts in the Woodlawn neighborhood could be heard for blocks. "Whose street? Our street!" protesters chanted as they laid down in the 61st street crosswalk at Cottage Grove Avenue. Chicago Police told them to get up.

They refused. So the demonstrators, wearing t-shirts spotted with fake blood were arrested and led away.

Protesters shouted that school closings will put students who will have to cross unfamiliar gang territory, in danger.

Veteran high school teacher Paul Horton shouted angrily at officers, and told CBS 2, "What is happening here is democracy and I think democracy has not been allowed in our city."

High school student Pilar Castro was one of those who was arrested moments after she told fellow demonstrators, "All my great teachers taught me that if you believe in something, you can make change."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.