Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
Topics: Immigration, Social Media, School, Chicago, GoFundMe, US News
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Immigration, Social Media, School, Chicago, GoFundMe, US News
A teacher, who has been in the profession for over a decade, has reportedly been made to quit his job for voicing his support for ICE on social media.
Last month, James Heidorn, a gym teacher at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, came under fire for writing 'GO ICE' online in response to a news article about local police pledging to collaborate with immigration enforcement.
His remarks quickly drew criticism from community activists and local lawmakers, with West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey even weighing in on it all.
In a video shared to Facebook, Bovey called Heidorn's remarks 'hurtful' and 'offensive'.
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Following the social media storm that followed Heidorn's comments, he was placed on leave while the school investigated the matter.
Initially he resigned from the role, but retracted this shortly after. Heidorn went on to resign for a second time however, before he could be fired from the school.
Now Heidorn has spoken out on it all and described the ordeal as 'professionally and personally devastating and surreal'.
"This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more," he told Fox News. "It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community."
Heidorn went on: "Second, I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation.
"Third, I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes."
A GoFundMe page has been created for Heidorn in the wake of him resigning which, at the time of writing, has had over $60,000 in donations.
Part of the bio on the page reads: "James Heidorn, a beloved physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, resigned after a single social media comment ignited outrage and a one-sided account that quickly spiraled beyond control. What followed was not reflection or fairness, but permanent consequences that have changed the course of his life.
"For 14 years, James showed up every day for his students, motivating them and building relationships beyond the gym, where class was often the highlight of their day and the first thing they talked about at home."
The page-creator went on to say that a 'false narrative' was created about Heidorn and that his work opportunities 'were crushed instantly'.
Reportedly after Heidorn resigned he lost his job as a soccer coach at a private school.
UNILAD have reached out to West Chicago Elementary School District 33 for comment.