Chicago’s New School Board President Resigns a Week After Taking Office
Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Past Antisemitic and Misogynistic Online Comments
CHICAGO — Chicago’s new school board president, Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, resigned Thursday after his past antisemitic and misogynistic comments online resurfaced.
Lack of Trust in Leadership
It’s the latest leadership turmoil for the Board of Education, which will soon transition to a 21-member partially-elected governing body, ending 30 years of mayoral control. The controversy surrounding Johnson’s appointment has eroded trust in the leadership of the board.
Background
Johnson’s departure comes less than a month after Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed him on October 7, alongside five others. The surprise overhaul came after the mayor’s first set of appointees resigned en masse amid tensions between the mayor and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez.
Resignation and Reaction
The mayor said in a statement Thursday afternoon that he asked for Johnson’s resignation and that he resigned effective immediately. “Reverend Mitchell Johnson’s statements were not only hurtful but deeply disturbing. I want to be clear: antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial statements are unacceptable.”
Governor J.B. Pritzker called for Johnson’s resignation earlier Thursday, stating, “Any person charged with the stewardship of the Chicago Public School Board must exemplify focused, inclusive, and steady leadership. The views expressed in the current Chair’s posts – antisemitism, misogyny, fringe conspiracy theories – very clearly do not meet that standard.”
Forty of 50 Chicago aldermen and the City Clerk Anna Valencia also signed a letter calling for Johnson to step down.
Background on Controversial Facebook Posts
Earlier this week, Jewish Insider reported that Johnson crafted more than a dozen Facebook posts with antisemitic statements following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Johnson issued a statement late Wednesday apologizing “to the Jewish community.”
However, additional Facebook posts surfaced Thursday in which Johnson supported a conspiracy theory that 9/11 was “an inside job” and questioned why working women don’t want families.
Conclusion
The resignation of Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson marks a significant setback for the Chicago Board of Education, which is still in the process of transitioning to a new governing body. The controversy surrounding his appointment has eroded trust in the leadership of the board, and it remains to be seen how the board will move forward in the coming weeks and months.
FAQs
* What is the background on the controversy surrounding Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson’s appointment?
+ Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson’s past antisemitic and misogynistic online comments resurfaced, leading to widespread criticism and calls for his resignation.
* What is the current state of the Chicago Board of Education?
+ The board is currently in the process of transitioning to a 21-member partially-elected governing body, ending 30 years of mayoral control.
* What is the next step for the Chicago Board of Education?
+ It is unclear what the next step will be for the board, but the mayor has stated that he will identify a qualified individual to replace Johnson and that the board will meet as scheduled.
