Chicago, IL—(ENEWSPF)–On Saturday 8/17, at 4pm, parents, teachers, community members, and supporters from around the city will hold a vigil at Whittier Elementary, at 23rd Street and Damen, to demand a new field house be built after the La Casita community center at Whittier was destroyed early this morning by Chicago Public Schools.

Supporters of La Casita began gathering last night when a demolition crew arrived unannounced at Whittier with orders to demolish the field house. They staged an overnight protest, attempting to stop the destruction of La Casita. In 2010, parents held a 43-day sit-in to turn the unused field house at Whittier Elementary into the La Casita community center and library.

“Alderman Solis and Chicago Public Schools have broken every commitment they have ever made to this community,” says Gema Gaete, a Whittier community member. “We demand a new field house. The community will not stand by and let them turn Whittier’s land into a playground for private school kids. The Mayor and Alderman Solis are engaged in ethnic cleansing, trying to push low-income Latino students out of this neighborhood.”

Alderman Solis and Chicago Public Schools officials promised to meet with Whittier parents this morning, but later refused to meet with parents at the school.

At least 8 people were arrested today attempting to defend La Casita. They are being held at the District 10 police station, at 3315 W Ogden Ave.