Advocacy Group Calls Out Illinois Governor for Failing Black Students

A Black advocacy organization has publicly criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing him of neglecting the educational needs of Black students in the state. Darius Jones, founder of the National Black Empowerment Action Fund (NBEAF), stated that Pritzker has systematically underfunded schools serving Black students, denying them access to quality education. This criticism comes as Pritzker prepares to host the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where he is expected to play a prominent role. The NBEAF's statement highlights the failure to meet the funding requirements set by the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act, enacted in 2017. This law mandates that Illinois fully fund public schools by 2027, using a specific formula to allocate resources. However, the group claims that funding has only increased minimally—by $350 million annually—falling significantly short of the over $7 billion needed to meet the law's goals. According to the NBEAF and the Partnership for Equity and Education Rights (PEER IL), 95% of school districts serving Black students are currently underfunded, while White students are over four times more likely to attend well-funded districts. This disparity underscores the ongoing racial inequities in education within Illinois. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Pritzker's office has not responded to the allegations, raising questions about his commitment to addressing educational disparities in the state.