Chicago school board president steps down

The Rev. Mitchell Ikenna Johnson arrives for the Chicago Board of Education’s monthly agenda review meeting on Oct. 24. Johnson, who was recently named by Mayor Brandon Johnson as the school board’s president, resigned on Thursday. Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/TNS

The newly appointed president of Chicago’s school board resigned amid backlash over social media posts criticized as “antisemitic” and “pro-Hamas.”

Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson’s posts came to light this week after they were first reported by Jewish Insider. Dozens of Chicago City Council members quickly called on the board president to resign, writing in a Wednesday letter that his comments “crossed major red lines into overt antisemitism” through both “explicit support for Hamas” and “blaming all Jews for Israel’s military decisions.”

A December social media post highlighted by the lawmakers read, “my Jewish colleagues appear drunk with the Israeli power and will live to see their payment.”

Rev. Johnson apologized for his posts Wednesday, calling them “reactive and insensitive,” but indicated he intended to remain on the school board. However, he ultimately stepped down Thursday, with his resignation coming just one week after he was sworn in as president.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who appointed Rev. Johnson, condemned the social media posts Thursday as “not only hurtful but deeply disturbing.”

“I want to be clear: antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial statements are unacceptable,” the mayor said.

“My administration is committed to upholding the mission of transforming our public education system,” he continued. “It has become clear that [Rev. Johnson’s] continued participation in the BOE would hinder the important work we need to accomplish for our schools.”

Mayor Johnson said he and his team will “proceed promptly” to identify an individual to fill the open board seat. The mayor this month appointed seven new members to the school board after it was announced the entire previous board would resign.

The Chicago City Council members behind Wednesday’s letter questioned Mayor Johnson’s vetting process for the new school board members, arguing Rev. Johnson’s social media posts proved proper vetting “did not take place.”

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