Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson is stepping down as Chicago school board president a week after assuming the role.
Rev. Johnson steps down as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called for his resignation on Thursday. Both issued statements regarding the matter.
Mayor Johnson’s statement:
“Today, I asked Chicago School Board of Education (BOE) President Reverend Mitchell Johnson for his resignation, and 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.
My administration is committed to upholding the mission of transforming our public education system. It has become clear that his continued participation in the BOE would hinder the important work we need to accomplish for our schools.
We will proceed promptly to identify a qualified individual who shares our dedication to educational excellence and will serve with an unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear. I remain steadfast in my commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that every child in Chicago has access to the quality education they deserve. Protecting and empowering the students in Chicago Public Schools remains our North Star.
The Board of Education meeting on Friday will proceed as planned under the current BOE bylaws.”
Gov. JB Pritzker’s statement:
“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. We owe it to our students, families, and teachers to provide the highest quality education, and that begins at the top by setting a positive example of kindness and inclusivity. Given that he has failed to live up to these values, I believe it is in the best interest of our schools and our children for the Chair to resign.”