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A Chicago teacher who expressed support for ICE on social media is speaking out about the devastating impact his post had on his career and personal life. James Heidorn, who taught at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago for 14 years, was forced to resign after posting “GO ICE” on his personal Facebook account in response to a news story about local police cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” Heidorn told Fox News in his first public comments since the incident. “I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships, and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE’, where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career.”
The controversy began in late January when local activists began sharing Heidorn’s post, which quickly gained attention in the predominantly Hispanic community. School officials placed him on leave after noticing growing backlash on social media.
The situation escalated when Illinois Democratic State Senator Karina Villa publicly expressed outrage over the post, stating she stood in “unwavering solidarity” with families upset about the “disturbing comments reportedly made by an educator.” Villa had previously been filmed confronting ICE agents in the street.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey further intensified the situation by posting a video explaining why Heidorn’s comments were “hurtful” and “offensive” to many in the community. “The issue is we have trusted adults who are the ones that care for those kids when they can’t be with their mom and their dad,” Bovey said. “So to have someone cavalierly rooting on — as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go — events which have traumatized these children … that is the issue.”
The city subsequently held a “listening session” where parents expressed concerns about the post, with some saying children didn’t feel safe as a result. Parents also organized an online campaign encouraging students to stay home from school in protest.
Heidorn ultimately resigned rather than face termination after a hearing with school officials. “This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” he said. “It wasn’t directed at any student, family, or school community. Second, I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, which led to my resignation.”
The former physical education teacher, who also lost his position as a soccer coach at a nearby private school, noted that one of the most difficult aspects of being forced from his job was losing the relationships he built with students from all backgrounds throughout his career.
“I lost my career, my income, and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes,” Heidorn said.
West Chicago Elementary School District 33 had previously referred to the social media post as “disruptive” but did not respond to requests for specific information about what rule Heidorn violated or whether teachers who publicly protest against ICE would be treated similarly.
The case has raised questions about free speech protections for educators, especially as teachers across the United States have participated in protests against immigration policies without facing similar consequences from their districts.
“Most importantly, this is bigger than me: it’s about whether personal opinions expressed outside of work can cost someone their livelihood without due process,” Heidorn said. “It does feel like a double standard—due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in. I feel that we should all be able to coexist with our personal political viewpoints.”
Mayor Bovey defended the handling of the situation, saying, “The teacher used his first amendment rights to make a statement. Others used their first amendment rights in commenting on the situation. The school board took appropriate action to go through the due process of investigating a situation which had adversely impacted the education of children.”
Heidorn has received some support from the community, including through a GoFundMe page describing him as a “beloved physical education teacher” who “showed up every day for his students.” However, the requirement to disclose the reason for his resignation when applying for future teaching positions casts doubt on his ability to continue in the profession.
“I really don’t know what is next for me—as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do,” Heidorn said. “It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me. Even advancing my education with a master’s degree in educational leadership because I wanted to become the best teacher I can be.”
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14 Comments
It’s a shame this teacher faced such harsh consequences for expressing his personal views on a sensitive political issue. While I don’t agree with his stance, he should be able to voice his opinions without fear of losing his job. The school’s reaction seems overly punitive.
I understand the concerns of the Hispanic community, but dismissing an experienced teacher over a social media post seems like an overreaction. There should be room for nuanced discussions on these complex topics.
The teacher’s dismissal over a social media post is concerning. While his views may be unpopular, he has the right to express his personal opinions. The school’s reaction seems to prioritize political optics over due process and balanced discussion of sensitive issues.
This incident highlights the challenges schools face in navigating divisive political topics. Reasonable people can disagree, and a knee-jerk dismissal may not be the best way to address controversial speech.
The teacher’s dismissal over his Facebook comments is troubling. While his views may be controversial, he should not lose his job for expressing his personal opinions on social media. This case highlights the need for clear guidelines on how schools handle political speech by educators.
I hope this incident prompts a broader discussion about balancing free speech, academic freedom, and the concerns of diverse communities in our education system. There may be room for compromise and nuance that was lacking in this particular situation.
I’m torn on this issue. While the teacher’s comments were certainly controversial, I’m not convinced that terminating his employment was the right call. Surely there could have been a more measured response that allowed for dialogue and understanding on both sides.
It’s a complex situation with no easy answers. I hope the school district and community can find a way to move forward in a constructive manner, focused on promoting tolerance and open exchange of ideas.
This is a tricky situation that highlights the growing tensions around immigration enforcement. While the teacher’s comments were controversial, the school’s decision to force his resignation seems heavy-handed. A more constructive approach could have been to facilitate open dialogue.
I’m curious to hear more about the school district’s decision-making process here. Was there an effort to understand the teacher’s perspective or engage the community in a productive way?
This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While the teacher’s comments were provocative, dismissing him over a social media post sets a dangerous precedent that could chill free expression. Schools should strive for a more measured approach that allows for dialogue and understanding.
I’m curious to hear the school district’s justification for the teacher’s dismissal. Was there a clear policy violation, or was this a more subjective decision based on community pressure? Transparency around the decision-making process would be helpful in evaluating the situation.
This is a difficult case that touches on fundamental questions of free speech, political discourse, and the role of educators. While the teacher’s views may be unpopular, dismissing him over a Facebook post sets a concerning precedent. A more nuanced approach would have been preferable.
I’m curious to hear more about the specific policies and procedures the school district used in this case. Were there opportunities for the teacher to appeal or engage in a disciplinary process?