Amid ‘law enforcement actions, protests,’ New Trier temporarily limits service trips to Chicago

A New Trier High School student is asking the School Board and administration to reconsider a recent change in student-group travel into Chicago.

Sophomore Zoe Dillon spoke during the public comment portion of the board’s meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, and urged the school to review the limitations.

In a followup email, Niki Dizon, New Trier’s director of communications, told The Record that staff must submit a request to travel for field trips and, citing “law enforcement actions or protests,” she said administration has put a “temporary pause” on a portion of the requests to travel in and around the city.

“We have informed staff that we are giving additional review to requests for travel in the Chicagoland area amid reports of unpredictable actions that could potentially put students and staff at risk,” Dizon wrote.

Dizon added that the school is communicating with partner organizations “to get their assessment of their ability to keep students safe.”

Dillon is a member of Social Service Board, which New Trier’s website describes as overseeing more than 15 groups “that serve organizations across the Chicago area” for which students can volunteer.

These groups, according to Dillon, include Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America and Onward House.

Because of the new guidelines, Dillon said “students are no longer able to volunteer at six of these organizations, many of which work with refugees, migrants, and other at-risk kids whose families are more likely affected by the increased ICE presence.

“These organizations and the people they serve need our help more than ever, but during this time where they are most vulnerable, we are no longer allowed to give them the support they need,” she said.

Dillon said she understands where the district is coming from, but feels there are other options.

“I understand that the school is worried about student safety and liability that they would face should anything happen,” she said. “However, I think that there are ways we could work around that such as a parent permission slip that acknowledges this risk and says that they are willing to allow their children to volunteer.”

When a group’s proposed travel is denied or postponed, Dizon said the school works to offer alternative activities.

She said that while service is “at the core of New Trier’s mission,” the school prioritizes the safety of students and staff and many service opportunities remain available.

“We continue to support robust service activities across all year groups,” Dizon said. “We appreciate the patience of our students, faculty and staff as we work to allow voluntary learning and service opportunities while prioritizing the safety of students and staff while they are off-site.”

She finished her board-meeting comments saying that the social service clubs help her and her peers feel like they are having an impact on the world.

“Many of us feel powerless when it comes to making a difference in things we feel passionate about, but the Social Service Board gives a way to make a noticeable difference in peoples’ lives,” she said, adding, “And so I urge you to come up with a solution where we can continue to go into Chicago to volunteer so students can build compassion in their hearts and serve humanity.”

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