Schools Closed, Buildings Sat Empty — And Gun Violence Rose, Study Finds
Summary
A study found that gun violence increased by 10% in Chicago neighborhoods near public schools that closed and stayed vacant for many years. Many of these schools, mostly in Black communities, have been abandoned since the 2013 closures, with some buildings still unused and plans to develop them underway.Key Facts
- Matthew Henson Elementary School in Chicago closed in 2013 and has been empty for 13 years.
- The school and many others were part of the largest mass closing of public schools in U.S. history.
- More than half of the 50 closed Chicago schools remained vacant for years despite city plans to sell or demolish them.
- Most closed schools were located in majority-Black neighborhoods.
- University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins researchers found a 10% rise in gun violence near these vacant school sites.
- Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the city formed a committee to redevelop the closed school properties.
- CPS is reviewing bids to repurpose eight remaining vacant school buildings, with community input planned.
- CPS offers protective services and early childhood education programs to help reduce violence and support students.
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