Public schools are underfunded and under attack. Teachers and staff are in a constant struggle to provide quality education and support services to their students while working under dire conditions and the constant threat of retaliation and dismissal. Joseph Dunlap, a 21-year veteran and award-winning teacher from Tarkington School of Excellence, is one of the leaders in this fight. He has been especially vocal in advocating for LGBTQ students and the need for more African-American teachers at his school (he is the last Black educator in the building). He has mentored teachers and students throughout his career. However, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Academy of Urban School Leadership (AUSL) have continued their assault against him by distorting his evaluation which has triggered dismissal proceedings. Since filing grievances (which yielded tens of thousands of dollars in back pay for his staff) and defending the rights of his fellow staff members, students, and parents against illegal administrative practices, his ratings have been systematically lowered. This is an injustice that cannot be allowed to continue. Stand with him and make your voices heard.
