CPS cadets directed not to wear uniforms to and from school due to federal deployment concerns; Taft relocates dance

by BRIAN NADIG

JROTC cadets and staff citywide are being directed not to wear their uniforms to and from school, and one local high school is relocating its homecoming dance — all due to concerns about federal deployments to Chicago.

“At this time of increased anxiety due to operations of the federal government in and near the city of Chicago, it is extremely important that we as representatives of the U.S. military in the Chicago Public Schools are vigilant regarding the safety and security of the cadets entrusted to our care and supervision,” CPS director of military instruction Steven Zimmerle wrote in an Oct. 8 directive to schools.

“The reality of this situation is that there is no way for the general public to distinguish JROTC cadets from army national guard, soldiers, sailors and marines when they are in uniform and out among the public.”
The directive is based on concerns that cadets or instructors could be mistakenly taken for a deployed military member and become involved in a tense situation, as federal deportation efforts intensify in the Chicago area.

One Northwest Side school administrator said that the biggest concern could be for JROTC instructors, who due to their age may be more likely to be mistaken while commuting in uniform on public transportation or simply entering a store.

Under the directive, schools must provide accommodations for cadets to change into their uniforms upon arrival at the school and before they leave school grounds. The only exceptions are for special events, such as a parade or color guard ceremony, that require a uniform.

Also in the directive, Zimmerle wrote, “As always, situational awareness and understating of the current operational environment is critical and should be always on the forefront of planning and executions.”
Taft High School has about 205 U.S. Naval Junior ROTC cadets, making it one of the largest military programs in the city.

Cadets at Taft usually are required to wear uniforms once or twice a week and for special events, according to Taft principal Dr. Ryan Glowacz. He added that the school is adhering to the directive, although some logistics are still being worked out.

Cadet families are being explained that the directive is a cautionary measure to help better keep students safe as they travel to and from school, Glowacz said.

Also on the Northwest Side is the Rickover Naval Academy, where all students are cadets. The school recently notified students and parents of the directive.

JROTC programs often focus on leadership and teamwork skills and provide an array of college scholarship opportunities for cadets.

In a related matter, Taft has relocated its Oct. 18 homecoming dance from the Rosemont Dome sports complex to the school.

“At this time we recognize that many members of the Taft community are experiencing concerns related to traveling to and from school and moving within the community. Our primary goal, now and always, is ensuring that Taft High School remains the best and safest place for our students to learn and grow. Simply put, Taft is home,” Glowacz said in a recent letter to students and parents.

Taft has experienced a slight increase in its attendance rate this school year compared to the first quarter of last school year, and school officials reportedly felt that the dance should be at a location where students already feel comfortable and safe traveling to and from.

“Taft hosted the homecoming dance on-site for many years, and during those years we consistently boasted of having the best homecoming dance in Chicago. We are confident we can uphold that tradition by running a sensational dance at each campus, ensuring a memorable and accessible experience for everyone,” the letter said.

Taft has about 4,300 students and operates freshman and varsity campuses.

Recent dances have been at the Rosemont Convention Center. Taft is planning to have its prom at an off-campus location.

“We look forward to celebrating with our entire student body this Saturday, in the place we call home,” Glowacz told Taft families.

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