City Council members call on CPS Board President to resign over antisemitic posts
At least 27 Chicago City Council members sign letter demanding Johnson’s removal
Just weeks after being appointed as the new Chicago Board of Education President, Reverend Mitchell Johnson is facing intense criticism for antisemitic social media posts, along with posts connected to conspiracy theories and falsehoods.
At least 27 Chicago City Council members have signed a letter demanding Johnson be removed, while numerous public school parents have started a petition. The Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee have also called for the mayor to remove Johnson as CPS Board President.
Johnson made Facebook posts that sympathized with Hamas in the aftermath of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that marked the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, according to Jewish Insider. He also linked to conspiracy theories about Jews and re-posted Russian propaganda.
In a statement, Johnson apologized to the Jewish community, saying, “I want to take a moment to apologize to the Jewish community. The remarks I posted were reactive and insensitive, and I am deeply sorry for not being more precise and deliberate in my comments posted last year. Since then, I have asked for and received feedback from my Jewish friends and colleagues, who helped me be more thoughtful in the way I address these sensitive matters.”
Throughout his career, Johnson has worked hand in hand with the Jewish community in Chicago to fight antisemitism. Whether it was rooting out antisemitism directly at AEPI Alpha Epsilon Pi or fighting for investments in the far south side at Developing Communities Project (DCP), those experiencing injustice and discrimination have no greater friend than they have in me, he said.
During a news conference, Mayor Brandon Johnson stood by his pick, saying, “He recognizes the harm that those statements have caused and he has expressed his apology. He will continue to seek atonement to make sure that he has the full confidence of every community in the city of Chicago.”
Espousing beliefs that are just openly antisemitic, hostile to Jews, use violent imagery in relation to Jews, and seemingly he was unable to verify the information or tell fact from fiction, CPS parent David Culberg said.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said though he may give the Board President the benefit of the doubt, he wished to hear more about his beliefs and wondered aloud if Mayor Johnson’s selection was properly vetted. You’re supposed to vet, look, can you miss things in people’s vets? Sure, but Facebook posts are pretty easy to find, he said.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Rev. Johnson’s appointment as CPS Board President has sparked widespread concern and calls for his resignation. With the majority of City Council members demanding his removal and public school parents expressing their concerns, it remains to be seen whether Johnson will step down or continue to lead the Board.
FAQs
* What are the allegations against Rev. Mitchell Johnson?
+ Johnson made Facebook posts that sympathized with Hamas and re-posted Russian propaganda, according to Jewish Insider.
* Has Johnson apologized for his actions?
+ Yes, Johnson has apologized to the Jewish community and expressed remorse for his past social media activity.
* What is the reaction from City Council members and public school parents?
+ At least 27 City Council members have signed a letter demanding Johnson’s removal, while numerous public school parents have started a petition.
* What are the implications for Johnson’s leadership of the Board?
+ Johnson’s leadership is under scrutiny, with many calling for his resignation.
