Editorial: Racism at root of recent Urbana High School coverage
This is unnecessarily provocative and disrespectful. But beyond matters of respect, the article portrays next to no understanding of UHS policy, and the evocative language may even be reflective of racist sentiments that have haunted the News-Gazette for decades.
The article’s central claim—if it can be called that, given its unfocused meandering—is that Urbana High School’s shift towards restorative justice in discipline caused the violence on February 4th. This is absurd for a variety of reasons.
First, any and all condemnation of restorative justice is slightly undercut by the fact that we live in a country that manages to have a remarkably punitive prison system while still maintaining over a 70% 5-year recidivism rate and having one of the highest crime rates in the developed world. Of course, this is never addressed in the article.
Also, the cause of the fights is known, and they do not originate with any school policy. The recent violence is linked to the shooting of a 14-year-old Urbana student over the summer of 2018. Surely a reputable news organization would have paid attention when this was mentioned several times by several different community members at the February 5th school board meeting. The fact that the Gazette ignores this signals either a lack of journalistic integrity or sheer carelessness.
The article’s premise is also entirely false; while the district advertised a total upheaval of disciplinary norms, substantial changes have failed to materialize thus far. Criticizing the administration for not having gone far enough in its reforms would be legitimate, as there are countless examples of successful programs that stray much further from the punitive model than Urbana has. For instance, the San Quentin state prison’s Victim Offender Education Group has become a model for many other prisons around the country, and BAM, a restorative program in many Chicago schools, has been found to reduce violent crime arrests among participating students by up to 50%.
Why would the Gazette choose to take such a difficult-to-defend position? The answer, or at least a piece of it, lies in a 1991 article in which then-CEO John Hirschfeld proclaimed that former KKK leader David Duke had “touched the pulse of this country.” It’s racism.
Of course, recent examples of racism at the Gazette have been subtler, though no less present. The newspaper has repeatedly opposed retiring the racist caricature Chief Illiniwek from use at sporting events. An article on the constitutionality of a census citizenship question poses undocumented immigrants as relentless delinquents who think nothing of breaking American laws.
The racism entrenched in the News-Gazette is most apparent when looking at their endorsements of candidates for public office. For instance, Rodney Davis, the US Representative for Champaign-Urbana, has raised concerns about Mexican immigrants being diseased. A member of his campaign team also sent an explicitly racist email denigrating his black primary opponent, Erika Harold. The congressman even posed with Steve King, a representative from Iowa who lamented on Twitter that the label “white nationalist” could be considered offensive.
Regardless, Davis got the Gazette’s endorsement.
The same model holds true for former governor Bruce Rauner, who also received an endorsement, despite his anti-immigrant rhetoric and refusal to answer on whether or not David Duke is a racist.
The connection between the Gazette’s racist rhetoric and their false claim that restorative justice leads to violence becomes clear in the context of American history: moves towards punitive methods in the justice system invariably coincide with racist intent and consequences.
The News-Gazette’s call for the school district to put an end to the “chaos” and begin “maintaining order” is part of a long tradition of authoritarian approaches to discipline for black people. In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Black Codes that arose in Southern states often contained provisions to arrest African-Americans for being unemployed, or for vaguely-defined “delinquent behavior.” During the tough-on-crime era of the 70s and 80s, the prison population ballooned with low-level drug offenders, decimating black communities across the nation. If the district chooses to adopt a more punitive discipline policy, the effect on our community could be much the same.
And here’s the kicker: the Gazette is aware of the disparities that punitive justice creates. Last year, they published an article detailing the disparity in punishment in Urbana Schools, along with early efforts by the school district to address it.
It’s unclear why the News-Gazette has so consistently doubled down on these harmful positions. But until there is a substantial cultural change for the newspaper, the community has a responsibility to consistently and thoroughly rebuke the paper’s racism.
About The Author
Your writing deserves a broader audience. Consider sending a letter to the editor of the News- Gazette.
Thank you for writing this. I hope it gets wide coverage xx please consider sharing it with Smile Politely and even offering it as a guest commentary at the N-G. They obviously are likely to reject it, but it’s worth a shot.
This article shows the ideological ignorance of the author and openly displays their intense bias against conservative thought. The classic gaslighting tactics used here are the same that has been used by countless fascist regimes time and again throughout the world when they wish to squash free thought and opposing ideas. Essentially, it accuses the News-Gazette of thought-crime, ignoring the role of such media in civilised society to critically examine public operations. There is no substantive proof provided to support the concept that the paper is influenced by racist ideologies, and to outright accuse anyone of such is a show of absolute immaturity and ignorance. The fact is that Urbana High School has utterly failed to hold the safety of the children in its care as a priority. It is absolutely crucial at this stage in a child’s life to reinforce the concept the actions have consequences, and any child, regardless of race or background, that decides to use violence against fellow students or against the authority in that school has no right to remain there. In fact, if the school cared at all about the safety of its students, it would acknowledge its failure to do so and enact firm and substantive consequences for the perpetrators of the assaults and for the adults who were charged with the safety and wellbeing of the children who attend Urbana High School. This was an entirely avoidable issue that has repeatedly occurred in a school system that is rife with incompetence and corruption.
Putting the NG to shame in journalistic ethics and content caliber.
Remeber, you’re competing with grown adults on the Editorial team at the NG who get to use “dog ate my homework” caliber excuses while promulgating racism and eschewing journalistic integrity.
You’re already more than they will ever be.
Brilliant journalism and passionate advocacy. I applaud you for using your small pulpit to take on the big bully. Thank you.
Proud to be UHS Alumni, call ‘em out, Tigers!
Well done, Michael Tessene!
(Responding to A. Hutchinson)
To be clear, I wrote an article responding to inflammatory rhetoric that I consider racist. In my mind, that does not amount to quashing free thought. Also, I gave 8 direct links to sources proving my points. Perhaps having read the article would have clarified this for you.
Regardless, I’m interested in the topics of virulent partisanship and attempts by American political entities to silence dissent, and I would be willing to meet in person to discuss them with you!
Michael T.
Brilliant article. You clearly have a talent for journalism and have a fantastic way with words. I am curious, however, at how you suggest the school can manage the violence and acknowledge that the high school’s disciplinary policy did not work in the case of the particular fight mentioned whilst also avoiding rhetoric that has racial implications. I read the articles that you mentioned and am in total agreement that they are racist, i’m just curious at how to find a balance. Because violence is never okay. Again, great article. I’m so impressed with your articulate writing. You have a great future 🙂
High Quality! Your bravery, honesty, analysis, and raw skill are inspirational.
Michael…as a proud UHS alum…please get in touch with me. I have a podcast studio in my house and we need to talk…you are amazing.
We’re here supporting you, Michael. Thanks for writing this piece.
Good editorial, Michael. People don’t have to agree with you to start a valuable dialogue that one hopes leads to a beneficial outcome and a satisfactory decision to the problem addressed in the editorial. Hope this will run in the News-Gazette. Keep on keepin’ on. Proud of you.
The issues surrounding this event are complex and the solutions are not always straightforward, but prioritizing clarity and logical analysis as opposed to fear-mongering are essential to making the right choices in the future. It shows the caliber of UHS students that this article does exactly that. You’re absolutely right to characterize the NG as being plagued by a “lack of journalistic integrity” and “sheer carelessness”: I hope that you and the other UHS Echo writers continue to push back against these dynamics in favor of rigorous, insightful works like this one.
To reiterate an earlier comment: I second the idea of sending this to the NG letters-to-the-editor section itself.
(Responding to K. Nowlan)
Thanks!
Also, to address your question,the school’s disciplinary policies are restorative almost exclusively in name. There are examples in the article of two particularly successful restorative justice programs. Basically, safety and humaneness in justice are far from mutually exclusive; in fact, they reinforce one another.
Well done Michael! Thank you for saying what many of us may feel and believe but lack the kind of journalistic talent you have! I applaud you!
In an age where just about anyone can write for Buzzfeed, this concise and honest breakdown of these truths is a very welcome change. Very proud to be a former UHS Tiger. You have a bright future ahead of you if you chose to stick it out in journalism.
Excellent article. Our sad state of crime and incarceration compared to our economic peers, as you pointed out, is proof of our failed system and the lack of restorative justice in general. Well done.
Why do right wingers cry fascism when we call out fascist policies and rhetoric?
Michael,
I’d like to interview you.
Please respond via my email.
Nailed it.
Well Said and Well Written! God bless! If there are ways retired people like me can be more supportive, please tell me.
Well-said and supported! The News-Gazette should be offering you a JOB.
Please continue to be the change you want to see in the world. Your words are powerful.
Michael Tessene…Sir I SALUTE YOU for being BOLD enough to call out journalistic injustice. You are RIGHT ON with your synopsis. I am PROUD to call you a UHS Brother of the Struggle! As a UHS Alum, I am PROUD of your stand Sir!
Brilliant calling out of the News-Gazette who has shown in their writings and readership how little they care about or want healing and harmony in our community. We would love to see you get further involved in the movement against the Chief. Message us at https://www.facebook.com/Fighting-Illinois-Racist-Mascots-1944579885803803/ if you’d like to get in touch.
A beautifully written and thoughtful essay that grasps the dynamic transactions between history and current rhetoric and the local media’s continued propagation of the underbelly of racism. The authors are to be commended!
This article is a necessary component to the discourse. I am impressed with the way you think and approach the topic. Let’s be clear, your work here outshines much that has been written by the News-Gazoo!
For the person who wrote, “There is no substantive proof provided to support the concept that the paper is influenced by racist ideologies” I can share that my experience as an intern, years ago, can provide context. The news room was totally white, and no one expected another person of color to work there. I was often considered the paper boy, and questioned why I was entering into the news room, even though I had the pass key, There were racist messages shared on the internal server to writers and was only addressed when I challenged its merit and reason why racist jokes were shared and tolerated. My experience affirms the News-Gazoo (yes, I am calling it this with intentional disrespect) has a history of racist ideologies.
This is a well-thought-out piece. I applaud your tenacity. I was also upset with the article and its obvious bias. Thanks to you for writing.
Dear Michael,
You are great example of journalistic talent!
Thank you for having the courage for call out the NG. We need more adults like you.
In gratitude!
Thanks Michael! We are so proud to have you as a neighbor. Not just because of your excellent writing and reasoning displayed here, but that you have grown into such a fine young man. I’m hoping that our diverse little section of Urbana has helped with that process.
This is not only an example of excellent journalism, but a demonstration of sheer talent for compelling prose. Best of all, it exemplifies clear thinking and moral courage that most adults are seldom capable of. Keep speaking the truth!!
Loved the article great job u are very informative and brave
You have done an amazing job in the composition of this article. I am left inspired. Please keep pushing forward, your community is here to support you & your efforts.
This piece is a powerful example for the coalescence of youth discourse in our communities. So much of the discussion concerning UHS has neglected the opinions and experiences of the youth, especially the youth of color, who are directly affected by the policy making of their adult leaders.
Michael, I am proud to know you! This is an outstanding piece in terms of both content and execution. It is also a testament to your courage and character.
Very impressive editorial piece from a high school student. You are far better at expressing your views than many adults! I hope professional writing will be in your future. Keep up the good work.
Michael, I applaud you for your outstanding writing and critical thinking skills! Thank you also for identifying why restorative practices were adopted in Urbana. As the former school psychologist at Centennial, we piloted the use of teacher-student mediation in 1991. We collected data and found that building stronger relationships and boosting understanding decreased classroom disciplinary referrals. The practice is used to this day and because of my eagerness to share this free, simple technique, I wrote the book Restore the Respect: How to Mediate School Conflicts and Keep Students Learning. No school is perfect and no single technique is the answer, yet boosting trust and modeling social, communication, and problem-solving skills has a measurable, positive impact. I believe in the outstanding students and educators in Urbana. Michael – please keep writing and keep us posted!
Sorry – correction on my comment. Teacher-student mediation was piloted in 2011.
To Michael Tessene: I am a graduate of Urbana High School. I produced the 15-program PBS television series “News Writing” (and associated textbooks) used by literally thousands of journalism professors to teach millions of journalism students … so I know a little about what I am about to say:
You, young man, have much potential as a writer. I am proud to see that Urbana High School has a solid journalism program and inspired writers.
In the old-school journalism world, you would be required to roll up your sleeves, and work as a reporter before you would be allowed to write editorials. In this digital world, I’m not so sure how that’s going to play out.
That said: You have good instincts — blending your opinion with some actual reporting in this commentary.
Bravo ! Keep up the good work.
I will try to drop in from time to time to see what the Echo is publishing …
Peter Berkow
Chico, California
Sorry, A. Hutchison, but you are the one showing your bias that you fail to rise above in your comment. You are against the policies implemented in the school, so you criticize and attempt to belittle the article’s author rather than respect his right to free thought and opposing ideas.
You certainly have the right to communicate your opinion regarding this subject, but that does not give you the justification to so harshly criticize this well-researched, well-sourced, and well-written editorial, or it’s author.
Wow. I would to talk to you, or interview you soon. I would love to talk with you soon.
Fantastic and thoughtful piece—you do us proud!
Comments are crazy. It’s not liberal agenda or going against conservative thought to take control of your narrative. Think global, act local. The world is an ever evolving place where we should be actively working to understand the needs of all groups to be treated with respect and benefit of the doubt. Statistics say that most of these students will live their adult lives in the Champaign-Urbana community and they seek NOT to be criminalized simply by growing up in a given neighborhood or attending a given school. They raise valid points, some up for a healthy debate to engage all community members. Any comments dismissive of this article, as a byproduct, become oppressive, i.e. if I was a teenager, particularly one of color or one from a low income community, I could read some of these comments and think that I do no matter if I don’t come from where you come from. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. That’s not a cliche, it’s a fact. @ me. Let’s talk
Wow. Thank you so much. Please do whatever you can to get your voice heard widely. Much community conversation about the situation at UHS smacks of racist echos and your perspective is a clear, solid antidote.
The News Gazette accepts longer pieces as commentaries than can be submitted as letters to the editor. Please consider submitting this. Excellent writing. Our Working Group for Racial Justice at First Mennonite Church has been attending meetings and following progress towards use of restorative practices in Urbana.
Thank you for this! It is refreshing to see actual journalism (and journalistic integrity) is alive and well in our community’s High Schools. You have succeeded where the News Gazette regularly fails and they would do well to take your astute criticism to heart.
Nice to see someone calling out the NG on their awful crime reporting.
The News Gazette is so unethical. Even Mary Schenk, their crimes reporter, has her own website now: https://maryschenk.com
Michael, the Urbana IMC’s Publici would love to have you share this or other writing on the restorative justice initiative at Urbana in our pages. Please contact us. We also invite other interested writers to share their ideas on articles covering local issues by contacting our messaging our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/UCIMCPublici/