The Chicago Board of Education (BOE) president resigned Thursday after just a week following backlash over previous antisemitic social media posts.
Mayor Brandon Johnson had appointed Rev. Mitchell Johnson as BOE president on Oct. 24, which came shortly after every board member announced their resignation earlier in the month. Rev. Johnson posted multiple anti-Israel statements on social media following Hamas’ initial attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Rev. Johnson took to social media in December to say his “Jewish colleagues appear drunk with the Israeli power and will live to see their payment,” according to the Chicago Tribune. The once-appointed BOE president also posted about conspiracies surrounding 9/11 and made comments on women who work.
Once Rev. Johnson’s posts were outed on social media, over 20 members on the Chicago Board of Alderman and Mayor Johnson called for the president’s resignation, the Chicago Tribune reported. (RELATED: Chicago School District In Shambles As Teachers Union Thwarts Major Change That Could Help Turn Fortunes Around)
“Today, I asked Chicago School Board of Education (BOE) President Reverend Mitchell Johnson for his resignation, and he resigned, effective immediately,” Mayor Johnson said in a press release. “Reverend Mitchell Johnson’s statements were not only hurtful but deeply disturbing. I want to be clear: antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial statements are unacceptable.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 19: Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Along with the Board of Alderman and Mayor Johnson, Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker also pushed for Rev. Johnson’s resignation and called for a better vetting process when selecting candidates, The Associated Press reported.
“My administration is committed to upholding the mission of transforming our public education system,” Mayor Johnson continued. “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,” Mayor Johnson said. “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.”
Chicago Public Schools did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment. The mayor’s office deferred to the press release, and Rev. Johnson was unable to be reached for comment.
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