Waukegan Board Expels Student, Suspends Five for Weapons Violations

BREAKING: The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education has taken swift action against six students for serious violations of Illinois school weapons laws. In a crucial meeting held on October 28, 2023, the board voted unanimously to expel one student and impose varying suspensions on five others.

The decision comes amid rising concerns for student and staff safety at schools across Illinois. The expelled student, who remains unnamed due to their minor status, will be barred from attending school for the remainder of the academic year and the 2026-2027 term. As part of the resolution, the student will be transferred to an alternative school managed by the Lake County Regional Office of Education.

Board member Rick Riddle emphasized the board’s commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment, stating, “The student’s continuing presence in school would substantially disrupt or impede or otherwise interfere with the operation of the school.” The board also confirmed that the student will undergo a special education evaluation, pending parental consent.

The five additional students received suspensions ranging from one to ten days, each with individualized safety plans in place. The board’s decision reflects a strict adherence to state laws, which mandate a minimum one-year expulsion for weapons violations but allow for alternative measures based on principal recommendations.

During the meeting, concerns were also raised regarding the broader impact of federal immigration enforcement on the local community. Board member Christine Lensing remarked on the fear permeating the community due to heightened deportation efforts under President Donald Trump. “ICE continues to terrorize our community. Our students aren’t able to focus on their academics, let alone just be a kid,” Lensing stated.

Fellow board member Carolina Fabian shared her own experiences of fear related to immigration enforcement, highlighting an incident where she mistook a vehicle for ICE agents. “The fear in that moment is the fear our children and families are feeling,” Fabian lamented.

The emotional toll of these enforcement actions was made evident when Fabian noted that the number of children participating in Waukegan’s official trick-or-treating event on October 26 dropped by half compared to previous years. “It was very disappointing,” she said, expressing her concern for the community’s diminished sense of safety.

The board’s votes on the expulsion and suspensions were unanimous at 5-0, with members Anita Hanna and Jeff McBride absent during the roll call. The urgency of the situation has sparked discussions about the balance between disciplinary action and the need for support systems for students.

As the Waukegan community grapples with these developments, the board continues to emphasize the importance of safety and the need for supportive measures for all students. The focus remains on ensuring a secure environment while addressing the underlying issues contributing to such serious violations.

This developing story highlights the critical intersection of school safety, legal compliance, and community well-being, raising questions about the resources available for students in need. The board’s actions reflect a commitment to safeguarding the educational environment, but the emotional and psychological challenges faced by students and families linger in the background.