The Unit 5 school board heard several public commenters at its meeting Wednesday, all speaking about recent free speech issues in the district.
At least eight community members spoke in support of Matt Chapman, a Normal Community High School civics teacher and girls soccer coach.
Chapman received online attention from conservative social media groups like “Libs of Tik Tok” after he wore a shirt that read, “ABOLISH ICE” to school. The shirt is in reference to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Delia Allen, a junior at Normal West High School, said while Chapman is not a teacher of hers, she still supports him.
“By wearing that shirt, he is sending a message to his students that regardless of immigration status you are a cherished member of our community and our of schools, and we all belong here,” she said. “…I’d strongly recommend those who support the proposed firing of Mr. Chapman reconsider the message they’re sending by doing so. There’s a teacher shortage already, why fire one who clearly cares about supporting his students and our community?”
Joshua Crowder agreed that Chapman cares about the community. The retired naval officer of 20 years put two of his daughters through Unit 5, both coached by Chapman. Crowder also is assistant coach to Chapman.
“I know Matt to be a role model, an advocate for every player we coach,” Crowder said. “Except for the occasional referee, I have observed Matt to be one of the most kind and compassionate people I know. He genuinely cares about every player and student.”
Crowder said he hopes people think about why Chapman wore the shirt before posting something negative online.
Another friend of Chapman who spoke was Art Taylor. They both serve as elders at First Christian Church. Taylor wanted to remind the board of the words of one of his idols, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis.
“He once said, ‘I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way, to find a way to get into trouble. Good trouble, necessary trouble. There’s nothing wrong with a little agitation for what is right and what is fair.’”
Other commenters disagreed with the decision by Chapman to wear the shirt to school. Chad Berck represented the McLean County Republican Party at the board meeting.
“The McLean County Republicans strongly condemn the continuing pattern of political indoctrination, bias and disrespect for parental values within the Unit 5 school district,” he said. “Our schools exist to educate, not to propagandize and yet we continue to see examples of left-wing ideology being encouraged, facilitated or tolerated at every level of the district’s leadership.”
Berck said Chapman’s actions crossed ethical and professional lines.
Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle said the district does not speak on specific personnel matters in order to ensure privacy for students and faculty. She said the school board has policy related to employee ethics, code of professional conduct and conflict of interest.
Weikle said the district is unable to regulate an employee’s speech unless it is found to be disruptive.
Board president Alex Williams
Five public speakers also addressed social media posts made by Unit 5 board president Alex Williams. Some residents called for Williams to step down after comments he made regarding the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Berck of the McLean County Republicans addressed that matter, too.
“Equally alarming is the conduct of the Unit 5 school board president who has repeatedly shown disdain for conservative parents and community members,” he said. “Labeling them MAGA cultists and deplorable. Such language is unbecoming of any elected official, particularly one charged with representing all the families, regardless of their political belief.”
Jade Lamar said as a parent who has also put a child through the Unit 5 school system, she supports Williams and his dedication to the community.
“My objective today is to provide encouragement and support. Do not flinch at all on what is being stated by those that support all the ‘isms and the hypocrisy that is clear as day,” Lamar said. “It takes leadership courage to say things that make others uncomfortable, and the time is now to push. Silence is what leads to conformity of oppression.”
Other speakers demanded an apology from Williams for his posts.
In other business, the board:
- Announced the district is expecting the first payment from the 1% countywide sales tax for school facilities and safety measures next week. Weikle said the district will receive about $1.23 million from the month of July. She said the district is receiving about 55% of the revenue during the year as Unit 5 is the largest school district in the county.
- Heard a presentation from Kimberly Mackinson, who reported on progress of the Eugene Field program. Eugene Field enrolls 49 students in an 18- to 22-year-old young adult transition program for students with disabilities. Eugene Field also houses the Vocational Transition Assistance Program that places 136 student workers with community partners in various employment programs.
- Celebrated the achievements of the Chiddix Junior High School softball team and the Evans Junior High School baseball team for their respective seasons. Evans won the Illinois Elementary School Association state championship, while Chiddix marked the second consecutive year of qualifying for the IESA state tournament.
