By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The newly appointed head of the Chicago school board, the Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson, resigned on the request of Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson, over alarming posts on social media. The posts, deemed antisemitic, sexist, and conspiratorial by city leaders, led to an outcry for his resignation. Notably, the board had already been shaken by the simultaneous resignation of every member earlier this month. One of Rev. Johnson’s posts suggested that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, while another stereotype women in a negative light. He apologized for his comments, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
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The resignation of Chicago’s school board president due to what Mayor Brandon Johnson described as “deeply disturbing” statements has been nothing short of shocking. It’s a reminder of how precarious the relationship between public service and personal beliefs can be, especially when those beliefs are brought to light in the most inappropriate of contexts. The reality is, when someone who holds a significant public position speaks out in controversial ways, the ripples of that can create waves of discontent in communities that are already struggling.
The layer of irony here is striking. We know that Chicago schools have faced systemic issues that impact students’ futures. When a leader who is supposed to be advocating for education promotes sexist and intolerant views, it undermines the very foundation of trust that the community places in the education system. Having a religious figure leading a public school board was misguided at best. It raises immediate questions about the separation of church and state and why that boundary would be so callously ignored. No one should be surprised when someone with those kinds of views brings them to a public platform.
What disturbs me more is not just the individual’s statements, but the apparent approach by the mayor’s office in appointments. This sequence of events suggests a troubling pattern where unqualified individuals—many with religious affiliations—are being put in key positions, mere tokens of a flawed system that should prioritize expertise and public accountability. This seems like a return to the cronyism of earlier administrations, which the citizens of Chicago fought so hard against. The notion that we should settle for “it’s our turn now” instead of ensuring the best person for the job is utterly disheartening.
The resignation is just another instance in a string of errors under this administration. When I hear people call for a return to the old spoils system of local politics, I can’t help but cringe. The fallout from this administration speaks volumes about the lack of due diligence, not just in vetting candidates but in recognizing the qualifications necessary to guide our education system effectively. Am I asking too much to expect competence from those who hold positions that shape the future of our children? It seems so given the track record we’ve seen.
As a lifelong observer of Chicago politics, I’m tired. It’s disheartening to see familiar patterns repeating themselves, and I’m left wondering if Chicagoans are forever fated to cycle through a never-ending series of subpar leadership. I remember when we had mayors who, despite their flaws, seemed to genuinely want to lead and improve the city. Now we’re left with leaders who seem more interested in reaffirming a political agenda than addressing the critical needs of our schools.
The comments made by the resigned school board president reveal a mindset that is unfortunately too common among certain leaders in our city. To imply that women should play a subordinate role within the household reflects outdated beliefs that have no place in our education system. These types of outdated views can negatively impact not just the students but the educational environment as a whole. Young girls deserve to see women in positions of power and influence who model capability and independence, not a return to antiquated gender roles.
As the dust settles from this resignation, I want to hope that it serves as a wake-up call for those at the helm of our education system. We can’t afford to let inadequacies masquerade as political correctness or tradition. Chicago deserves a school board that’s not just politically safe but intellectually competent, detached from religious biases, and foremost concerned with the best for our children. We need leaders who understand the importance of separating personal belief from public service, particularly when those beliefs can impact an entire generation of students.
Let’s hope the next appointee can do better. After all, if we don’t rectify this pattern now, we risk securing a legacy of mediocrity for a city that has long been known for its resilience and potential.