An incident at a Chicago elementary school shocked the local community when several students were hospitalized after eating cookies containing marijuana. The situation has raised serious concerns about child safety, school security, and parental responsibility.
What Happened at Fort Dearborn Elementary School?
On May 13, 2025, 22 students at Fort Dearborn Elementary School, located on the South Side of Chicago, consumed marijuana-laced cookies. According to police and media reports, the cookies were brought to school by one of the students.
After consuming the cookies, 11 of the students—aged between 11 and 14—had to be taken to Christ Hospital for medical care. Thankfully, all hospitalized children have since been released.
How Did the School and Authorities Respond?
The school principal acted quickly by informing parents and contacting the Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Safety and Security. In a letter sent to families, the principal stated that student safety is a top priority and that help was immediately given to everyone affected. The school also emphasized that no type of prohibited substance is allowed on school grounds.
Parents were urged to talk to their children about the dangers of eating unknown food items and to teach them to avoid accepting snacks from others unless they are sure where it came from.
Concerns from Parents and the Community
Many parents are now questioning how the student got access to the marijuana edibles in the first place. Some are calling for accountability from the adult responsible for the student who brought the cookies to school.
One parent, Ethel Allen, urged other parents to be extra careful with what they leave around at home. “Parents, please pay attention,” she said.
Another parent, Trianna Jones, shared that her child avoided getting sick by spitting out the cookie after noticing it tasted unusual. She also mentioned that the cookie did not appear to be packaged.
What Can Be Learned from This Incident?
This event highlights the need for stronger awareness among both students and parents about the dangers of marijuana edibles.
While these products are legal for adults in many states, including Illinois, they can be very harmful to children. These edibles often look like regular snacks, making it easy for young people to consume them without knowing what they are.
It also brings attention to the role parents play in keeping such items out of reach and in educating their children about the risks.