Community Outrage Over Firing
On July 1st, community members on the South Side of Chicago voiced their outrage over the firing of John Williams, a long-serving school administrator. Williams, who had worked as the Dean of Students for 18 years, was dismissed on the last day of classes in June.
Support for John Williams
Despite the school year being over, supporters, including former students and parents, gathered outside the high school to protest the decision. They expressed their frustration, highlighting Williams’ positive impact on the community and calling for his reinstatement.
Williams’ Contributions
Williams, an alumnus of the school and its all-time leading basketball scorer, was honored in 2019 when the school retired his basketball jersey. He has been a significant figure in mentorship programs, advocating for the hiring of more Black and Hispanic educators.
Circumstances of Dismissal
Williams was on medical leave in February, during which time a new principal took over. Shortly after his return from leave, Williams was informed that he would not be returning to his position. He expressed his disappointment at not being given a chance to demonstrate his capabilities to the new administration.
Response from CPS
Attempts to get a statement from the school district headquarters regarding Williams’ departure were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to inquiries about the personnel matter.
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