Akron Public Schools (APS) has announced the closure of all schools on Tuesday, April 18 to ensure “the safety of our scholars and staff” while the grand jury decision will be made in the Jayland Walker case. The grand jury declined to indict the eight officers involved in Walker’s shooting death. APS authorities have sent phone calls to every home to notify families about the closure. The University of Akron has also canceled on-campus classes for the remainder of the day. Akron business leaders and clergy members on Monday called for peace ahead of the grand jury’s decision. Last summer, Walker, a 25-year-old black man, suffered 41 gunshot wounds after a car chase in North Hill neighborhood; his death led to long-term protests and demands for accountability from the police department. In anticipation of possible protests, many business owners in the downtown area began boarding up windows last week. As the city awaits the grand jury decision, it is hoped that peaceful demonstrations will take place to avoid a repeat of last year's unrest.