We, the residents and supporters of Evanston, call on the Northwestern Board of Trustees, the School of Education, and President Michael Schill to invest in our public schools, especially for vulnerable students. As Northwestern plans to spend $800 million on a new Ryan Field, District 65 faces a severe budget deficit that threatens the education of Black and Brown students, unhoused students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Although Northwestern occupies Evanston land and benefits from city resources, it does not contribute to the tax base.

We urge Northwestern to make an ongoing, 100-year commitment to Evanston’s public schools, prioritizing equity and supporting our school children. This is not just a one-time act but a sustained investment in the community’s future.

By signing this petition, I affirm my commitment to Evanston’s children—whether as a resident, educator, former resident, caring person, or Northwestern affiliate—and recognize the urgency of leveling the disparities that harm their education. Northwestern must act now, with minimal delay and bureaucracy, and always keep students at the center of this vital effort.

The Problem:

Northwestern’s Wealth vs. Evanston’s Struggles: While Northwestern University, with its approximately $14 billion endowment, continues to expand with luxurious projects—including the costly temporary football field installed as part of the $800 million Ryan Field renovation—Evanston’s public school district (D65) grapples with a significant budget shortfall. This threatens the quality of education for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. Where do we see the University’s commitment to the future of this town: the children in schools?

Additionally, Northwestern has just launched a $600 million fund drive to replace the Allen Center. In stark contrast, D65 faces financial hardship, putting the educational future of many children at risk. Furthermore, it has come to light that Northwestern University President Michael Schill earned $400,000 in just the first four months of his tenure. Meanwhile, the public schools struggle to provide even basic resources to historically underserved students. While the University prioritizes these massive projects, we urge Northwestern to focus on more pressing needs, such as investing in capital projects for Evanston schools. Upgrades to school auditoriums and gymnasiums and the creation of STEAM labs could demonstrate Northwestern’s commitment to 21st-century learning and, perhaps, cover transportation costs, which continue to put a strain on our school system

This is Not a Plan—It’s a Call to Action:

This petition is not a detailed plan but a call for Northwestern University to commit to supporting Evanston’s public schools. This commitment should include forming a planning team of community members and education experts. The Northwestern School of Education can play a key role by involving professors and students in meaningful partnerships. Professors can offer expertise in education, while students gain hands-on experience working on real-world projects. Together, they can develop programs and strategies to meet the unique needs of Evanston’s schools, ensuring that the partnership benefits both the schools and Northwestern's academic community.

The Demands Included in this Petition:

We call on Northwestern University to commit to an equity-focused contribution to Evanston public schools, aimed at:

• Improving educational outcomes and closing opportunity gaps.
• Addressing inequities in resource access, particularly for:
  Black and Brown students, who face disproportionate outcomes.
  Unhoused students.
  Newcomers to the U.S. and Evanston (English learners).
  Students with disabilities.
• We also demand Northwestern invest in capital improvements for public school buildings, including upgrades to: Auditoriums, gymnasiums, outdoor grounds, and STEAM labs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

These improvements will ensure students have access to state-of-the-art resources and environments that reflect a commitment to educational equity and 21st-century learning.

Finally, we urge Northwestern to work with the city to create sustainable transportation solutions for underserved students, ensuring they can attend school safely and reliably.

District 65’s Responsibility and the Mayor’s Role:

Once Northwestern makes its contribution, District 65 must:

• Manage funds transparently.
• Establish a responsible committee of community representatives dedicated to public education.
• Ensure every dollar supports the students most in need and contributes to equitable educational outcomes.

The Northwestern School of Education can play a key role by:

• Collaborating with District 65 to ensure funds are used effectively.
• Engaging faculty and students in assessing needs, designing programs, and evaluating outcomes.

We call on the Mayor of Evanston, Daniel Biss to:

• Prioritize equity in discussions with Northwestern University.
  Ensure city commissions advocate for public schools and that financial support addresses systemic disparities.

Why Northwestern Should Act:

Northwestern University, with a $14 billion endowment and 150 years in Evanston, benefits immensely from the community. As it plans major investments, including:

• $800 million renovation of Ryan Field
• $600 million fund drive to replace the Allen Center
  Generous leadership compensation (President Schill earning $400,000 in his first four months)
• It’s time for Northwestern to reinvest in Evanston’s future by prioritizing its children.

Northwestern should:

Invest in programs promoting equity for Black and Brown students, unhoused students, English learners, and students with disabilities.
Support capital improvements in Evanston public schools, upgrading auditoriums, gymnasiums, outdoor spaces, and STEAM labs.

This investment would create a more inclusive and just community.

Sign this petition to urge Northwestern University to use its significant wealth and influence to help all Evanston children thrive.