Spencer Leak Jr. Resigns from School Board Following Controversial Social Media Post
CHICAGO — Spencer Leak Jr., a prominent Chicago Public Schools board member, resigned from his position on Wednesday, effective immediately, after a controversial social media post sparked widespread backlash. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when Leak Jr. posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticizing a district policy that was widely interpreted as dismissive of student concerns. The post, which included the phrase "kids need to learn respect," drew immediate condemnation from parents, educators, and local advocacy groups, who accused him of undermining district efforts to promote equity. Leak Jr. later deleted the post and issued an apology, stating he intended to encourage "constructive dialogue." However, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the resignation in a press conference, noting that Leak Jr. cited a need for "personal reflection" amid the controversy. The school board, which oversees over 300,000 students, will begin a search for a replacement as the district faces ongoing debates about discipline policies and community trust.