An elementary school teacher in the Greater Chicago Area was placed on administrative leave after expressing his support on Facebook for federal law enforcement officers.
‘GO ICE,’ the Gary Elementary School educator wrote regarding immigration agents working in West Chicago, according to a Change.org post calling for his termination.
Shortly after the teacher’s remarks on social media, several activists within the predominantly Hispanic local community launched the petition, gathered in a protest, and urged Gary students to stay home from school as an act of showing disapproval of the teacher.
West Chicago Mayor Daviel Bovey said the Facebook post “was extremely hurtful and offensive to many people in our community.”
“There are contracts, there are laws … and those teachers’ unions are very concerned to make sure that due process is maintained,” he said in a 7-minute video on X. “I understand the outrage that many feel over this … I am in support of those who decide to keep their children home on Monday.”
Bovey invited demonstrators to express themselves during a meeting at the City Council building, according to ABC7 Chicago. “The community members protesting say their next step is to attend the next school board meeting early next month and urge the board to take action against the teacher,” the outlet noted.
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“Bovey also said he planned to keep his own children home on Monday as a show of support for immigrants,” Inquisitr reported.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, the school district’s superintendent Kristina Davis said, “The district has obtained legal counsel to conduct an investigation beginning on Monday.”
“District 33 remains committed to providing safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments for all students,” she added.
A spokesperson for the district said the teacher is banned from school property until further notice. “The employee involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and will not be permitted on any District property while on leave.”
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