Caption by Ashmar Mandou

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed the “snap curfew” ordinance passed by the city council earlier this week. The ordinance, which had community organizations and civil rights advocates upset, aimed to allow Chicago police to announce a curfew with 30 minutes’ notice in an effort to curb teen takeovers. The measure was approved by a 27-22 vote in the council after months of debate on how the city should try to curb the large youth gatherings that have sometimes turned violence. Supporters would need 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. Members of the Chicago Teachers Union, Legal Action Chicago, and Good Kids/Mad City say the ordinance raises constitutional and racial justice concerns. “There is a deep irony that the loudest voices against youth jobs and resourcing their learning are also the loudest in favor of policies to put them in jail,” said CTU President Stacy Davis Gates. In his veto letter to the city clerk, Johnson wrote, “At a time when violent crime continues to trend down in the City of Chicago, it is critical that we continue our investments in community safety strategies that have a proven track record of success. In two short years, we have seen a measurable, sustained decline in crime and violence in our city.” The letter will be read at the July 16 council meeting.