Fights Disrupt Anti-violence Rally at Chicago High School

An anti-violence rally at George Washington High School turned ugly Thursday when a series of fights broke out in a crowd of students being dismissed for the day.Parents and students had gathered at 3 p.m. to protest what they said has been escalating violence between black and Latino students at the school, at 3535 E. 114th St. on the Far Southeast Side.Tensions between the groups have persisted for years, parents and students said. But this week has been particularly violent, with several flare-ups that caused some parents to pull children out of school for their safety. Several parents said they would not allow their children to return to school until the violence was addressed.The protest came on the heels of a larger rally Chicago Public Schools held earlier this week calling for an end to the shootings that have claimed 20 students this year.

But moments after the George Washington rally began, fights between students erupted within the crowd of hundreds, sending people scurrying out of the way. The disturbance died down as more police arrived and offenders fled. No arrests or serious injuries were reported.Parent Sara Carreon said such outbursts are not uncommon. She said she and other parents have asked school officials to address the violence at the school but have yet to get a response.

"Look at this—what is this principal going to do? I can't believe this," Carreon said after the fight broke out.The school's principal, Florence Gonzales, had scheduled a meeting with parents to discuss the violence issue but it was abruptly canceled, angering parents who were demanding to hear from school officials.The meeting was rescheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the school library.Chicago Police Lt. Maury Richards, tactical lieutenant in the South Chicago district, said the violence stems from ongoing conflicts between the Latin Kings and Gangster Disciples. He said the school has seen a "flare-up" this week.