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When: Wednesday, May 9th, 4:30 PM
Where: 50 W. Washington St, (Office of Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine)
Who: Chicago Youth, Others
Chicago youth dressed in caps and gowns will hold "commencement ceremony" to protest Illinois' youth drug law, which has resulted in some of the nation's worst racial disparities for youth of color. Young people will present Cook County State's Attorney with diplomas representing a life without second chances for the 258 youth of color (out of the 259) who have been charged for drug offenses in the adult system. Youth tried as adults receive a criminal record instead of a second chance, and are denied crucial employment, educational and rehabilitative opportunities such as federal student financial aid. A national study released this month found that 99% of all the youth charged in the adult system for drug crimes in Illinois were youth of color. Illinois law mandates that 15 and 16 year olds charged with drug offenses within 1,000 feet of a school or public housing be automatically transferred to the adult criminal court.
The event is being organized by the Youth First! Campaign, a city-wide initiative to promote positive youth development programs and address the root causes of the criminalization of youth.