By Ben Gehler
I am struggling right now.
I am frustrated by my inability to do anything.
I am disappointed in my fellow human beings who are supposed to watch out for our vulnerable populations.
I am enraged by the thoughts and actions of those at Northern Illinois Academy in my hometown, Aurora.
Northern Illinois Academy (NIA) is being shut down by the State government of Illinois.
The State is moving all students in its care from Northern Illinois Academy to alternate placements, following an Equip for Equality report commissioned by the State in January.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) conducted its review of the facility. Based on that review, it announced today that effective August 6, 2021, it will assign a status of non-approved to NIA for education services.
NIA is an 87-bed private youth residential treatment facility and therapeutic day school in Aurora and operated by Sequel Youth And Family Services.
“The problems documented by Equip for Equality are deeply troubling. As a consequence and as a result of ISBE’s regulatory review, we are revoking approval of the facility and helping school districts to transition their students to better learning environments ahead of the next school year,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala.
There will be a special place for those who take advantage of our damaged and beautiful souls.