Parents of students at Woodson Elementary School in Bronzeville have reported that a teacher’s aide taped multiple students’ mouths shut. Initially, parents were told this occurred during a fun assignment, but it turned out to be more serious. One parent, Jil, received conflicting calls from the aide and the principal regarding the use of tape on her son’s mouth. Another parent, Rachel Beverly, said the aide claimed it was to prevent smart kids from blurting out answers during a spelling bee. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is investigating, and the teacher’s aide has been removed pending the outcome. Chicago Public Schools sent a letter to parents affirming their commitment to student safety and stating that the investigation by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX is ongoing.
