Evanston Cancels Domestic Violence Meeting in Favor of Watching World Series

EVANSTON, IL - The city of Evanston has canceled a meeting that was planned to address the impact of domestic violence on the community due to the Chicago Cubs' appearance in the World Series.

The meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. tonight would have included speakers from the YWCA, Alternatives to Violence program, Evanston Police Victim Advocates and the city's Health and Human Services department.

The discussion would have lasted for two hours at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center and would have included information on how often domestic violence incidents occur in Evanston, offender behavior and early intervention strategies and how the problem has become a public health concern.

No meeting makeup date has been announced.

[PERSPECTIVE]

The city of Evanston has been praised for its progressive nature, often being on the right side of history when it comes to several topics. When it comes to government, the city is as well-oiled of a machine as I've seen.

That's what makes this decision a bit surprising.

The fact that Evanston had the idea to address the problem of domestic violence shows its progressive nature, but cancelling the meeting - especially by reason of professional sporting event - is a step back.

I've always been a sports person and I know the rarity of the Chicago Cubs playing in the World Series. The city also must have looked at this and figured the meeting would not have a good turnout because the majority of city residents will be at home or elsewhere watching the game.

That is all understandable.

But I also know the Cubs traded for a player this year that has a history that includes a domestic violence report. He was the one who recorded the final five outs of the National League clincher on Saturday.

And cancelling a meeting about domestic violence so people can stay home and cheer on...someone with an alleged history of domestic violence?

Also, the city does not seem to embrace sports as much as the typical large Chicago suburb. While it was a good, pro-active move to open the community centers to anyone wishing to take in a Cubs World Series appearance on color television, residents of the city are usually more interested in stories that address real-life issues rather than sports.

Evanston isn't alone in cancelling public meetings in favor of focusing on the Cubs. Glencoe postponed a meeting on the future of its downtown before the Cubs even clinched the pennant and Lake Forest has moved up its annual Town Hall meeting so it won't compete with a possible World Series game.

And yes, Evanston has rearranged some of its government meetings as well. But something told me to expect better from them. Especially when it comes to a serious subject that has importance that far supersedes sports.

Also on Patch: Song Advocating Domestic Violence Plays During Appearance by Cubs Player with History of Domestic Violence