The principal of Homewood Flossmoor High School located in the south suburbs of Chicago is currently under scrutiny for a letter sent home with students claiming they are in gangs or have been associated with gang activity.
A letter was sent home with about 70 students after an e-mail was sent to their parents stating, “Your child,______, has directly or through association been involved in what is considered ‘gang activity.’” The letter, penned by the principal, Dr. Jerry Lee Anderson, required parents to come to a series of mandatory meetings on Saturday morning to address the accusations. If they did not attend, their children would be “excluded” from the school.
In a statement made to the Chicago Sun-Times, Dr. Lee Anderson said, “We have some who believe that violence is not part of what happens in the suburbs, that we are somehow immune. We are not. We need informed, empowered parents to be part of the solution.”
The letter that was sent home with those students was most likely intended to nip a serious problem of gang activity in the school in the bud. However, many parents who received the letter felt attacked. Some claimed their children are not in a gang or associated with one but they now have a target on their back.
Here’s a copy of the letter that was sent home with the students
Dear Parent/Guardian of ___ ,
Your child, ___ , has either directly or through association been involved in what is considered “gang activity”. Because I am concerned about your child’s safety and the well being of all of the students and staff at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, I am requesting that you and your child attend a mandatory meeting on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in Room 101 in the North Building at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. At the parent/student meeting, you will receive more specific information about your child’s involvement.Failure to attend this meeting will cause your child to be excluded from Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
Information has been gathered through Deans’ investigations of conflicts that have occurred in and out of school over the last few months that have negatively impacted the environment and safety of our students and staff.
As a concerned parent/guardian, you need to be aware of what we have observed that could potentially endanger your child and your family. Your child’s success at Homewood-Flossmoor High School is important. I hope by meeting with parents/guardians and students, we can come to a resolution that will support the success of your student and ensure the safety of everyone.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Lee Anderson
Principal
What are you thoughts on the letter?
