### Chicago Board of Education President Resigns Following Controversial Social Media Posts

Chicago (CBS) – Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson, the newly appointed President of the Chicago Board of Education, has resigned just a week after taking office. This decision comes after Mayor Brandon Johnson requested Johnson's resignation amid mounting backlash over his past controversial Facebook posts. These posts included remarks supporting Hamas, promoting 9/11 conspiracy theories, and making sexist comments.

Mayor Johnson, who had initially appointed Rev. Johnson earlier in October, emphasized that such antisemitic, misogynistic, and conspiratorial remarks were incompatible with the administration’s goals for the public education system. "Reverend Mitchell Johnson's statements were not only hurtful but deeply disturbing," Mayor Johnson stated. "My administration is committed to upholding the mission of transforming our public education system."

The push for Rev. Johnson's resignation gained momentum when critical social media posts surfaced, prompting calls from influential figures and organizations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, 40 members of the Chicago City Council, and several Jewish leaders were among those demanding his removal. Gov. Pritzker stressed the importance of inclusive and steady leadership for the Chicago Public Schools and said Johnson’s views were fundamentally at odds with those standards.

Rev. Johnson’s posts on Facebook included a support statement for Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, endorsement of the conspiracy theory that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job, and sexist remarks about women and financial independence. In response to the uproar, Rev. Johnson issued an apology via the mayor's office, expressing regret for his insensitive comments and highlighting his past work against antisemitism.

Despite Rev. Johnson's attempts at atonement, Mayor Johnson acknowledged that maintaining his position would hinder the essential work needed for Chicago's schools. The mayor committed to finding a qualified replacement who aligns with the values of educational excellence and inclusivity.

The resignation reflects ongoing turbulence within the Chicago Public Schools system. Earlier in October, the entire school board resigned amid conflicts between Mayor Johnson and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez over financial decisions, including a proposed high-interest loan to cover pensions and teacher raises. The seven new board members, including Rev. Johnson, were sworn in on October 24. The six remaining members will convene for their first meeting on Friday to address the leadership vacancy and continue the board’s tasks.