CPS Principal Resigns After Anti-Police Speaker Controversy

CHICAGO, IL — A Northwest Side principal has resigned two weeks before the last day of class. Chicago Reader reported Principal Mary Beth Cunat, Wildwood Elementary School's leader, made the decision after she received outrage from students' parents and threats, after she brought an anti-police speaker to speak to sixth, seventh and eighth graders for career day at the end of last month.

According to the news report, many parents were shocked at Cunat's decision, whose leadership over eight years has been praised by a number of people at the top-ranked CPS school.

Cunat invited community organizer and police abolitionist Ethan "Ethos" Viets-VanLear to speak during career day, which Chicago Reader said is the "most proximal" cause of her resignation, as her last day was June 6.

“It is with a sad and happy heart I say good-bye,” Cunat wrote in an open letter to the students on June 6, “I could not bear to do it in person as my heart was breaking with love, joy, and appreciation for each and every one of you as I looked at your faces today. It is time for me to go, but you are in good hands and the school is positive and strong.”

Image via Shutterstock