Chicago mayor likens critics of school spending plan to supporters of slavery
CHICAGO (CITC) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday accused critics of his proposed spending plan for Chicago Public Schools of echoing arguments used by supporters of slavery.
Mayor Johnson’s remarks came as he announced six of his new appointees to the Chicago Board of Education. The mayor’s office and school board announced Friday that all seven current members will resign this month, explaining the moves are part of a “transition plan” ahead of the board shifting to a hybrid elected and appointed format.
However, some have raised concerns the “unprecedented” resignations were the result of pressure from the mayor’s office to approve a high-interest $300 million loan to cover certain pensions and Chicago Teachers Union demands. Dozens of members of the Chicago City Council signed a letter Saturday demanding a hearing be held prior to the official appointment of the new “lame-duck” school board.
Hecklers disrupted Mayor Johnson’s remarks Monday, with some chanting “this board is not legit” as he attempted to introduce his appointees. The mayor quickly brushed them off, accusing them of playing politics.
“The most legitimate existence of anyone in this country is the legitimate existence of a Black man,” he shot back. “I understand that there are individuals that wish to use this as a political opportunity to sow seeds of doubt, but make no mistake about it: I am going to stand firm.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson fired back at protesters Monday who chanted “not legit” in response to his new school board appointees. “The most legitimate existence of anyone in this country is the legitimate existence of a Black man,” Mayor Johnson said.
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