CPS Board of Education President Resigns Amid Backlash Over Social Media Posts
Mayor Brandon Johnson Requests Resignation
Amid a wave of backlash over troubling social media posts that were criticized as antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial, Chicago’s new Board of Education president, Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, is resigning at the request of Mayor Brandon Johnson just seven days after he was sworn into office. It’s the latest stunning development in the ongoing leadership struggle atop Chicago Public Schools.
Background
Rev. Johnson and six other board members took their positions last Thursday after the entire school board resigned. The mayor announced them as his chosen replacements earlier in the month.
Controversial Social Media Posts
A review of Johnson’s Facebook account showed that, from October 2023 to a few months ago, he often wrote pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel posts on social media, many of which referenced Jewish people in hostile and inflammatory ways. In one, he said, “My Jewish colleagues appear drunk with the Israeli power and will live to see their payment.” In another, he said the “Nazi Germans’ ideology has been adopted by Zionist Jews.” This was atop a video he shared comparing the depopulation and destruction in Gaza to the Holocaust.
Backlash and Calls for Resignation
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker called for Johnson to step down following similar calls by 40 alderpersons and many Jewish leaders. The mayor said he asked for the resignation Thursday. The previous day, the mayor accepted Johnson’s apology for his remarks and said the board president, who had said he didn’t intend to step down, would “work toward restoration and healing.”
Apology and Resignation
Rev. Johnson’s resignation came after his apology Thursday. The mayor said, “Reverend Mitchell Johnson’s statements were not only hurtful but deeply disturbing. I want to be clear: Antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial statements are unacceptable. My administration is committed to upholding the mission of transforming our public education system. It has become clear that his continued participation in the [Board of Education] would hinder the important work we need to accomplish for our schools.”
What’s Next?
The mayor’s office will “proceed promptly” to find a replacement. Friday’s Board of Education meeting will go on as planned, he said.
Conclusion
The sudden resignation is another blow to the mayor, who has suffered one setback after another in his dealings with the school system. The board’s resignation and the controversy surrounding Rev. Johnson’s social media posts have raised concerns about the vetting process and the qualifications of the new board members.
FAQs
* What led to Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson’s resignation?
He was forced to resign after backlash over his controversial social media posts, which were criticized as antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial.
* Who requested his resignation?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson requested his resignation.
* What is the next step for the Board of Education?
The mayor’s office will proceed promptly to find a replacement, and Friday’s Board of Education meeting will go on as planned.
