Natalia Chi
Revelers and spectators braved the snow on Saturday to celebrate a Lunar New Year parade on Uptown’s Argyle Street.
Among the colorful floats was a contingent of protesters from Peirce Elementary School, 1423 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
If viewers looked closely, they saw many of Peirce’s protesters waving signs and wearing pins in support of Joe Dunne, a candidate for alderman of the 48th ward running to replace the retiring Ald. Harry Ostermann.
Peirce’s parent, Trevor Wills, said he was angry at what he saw.
“It was disgusting, disgusting, tasteless…it didn’t feel like the school community, it felt like the countryside,” Wills said.
The performance also caught the attention of Peirce’s principal, who sent a notice to parents on Monday morning that read: “It has been pointed out to me that during the parade, supporters of an aldermanic candidate walked alongside the Peirce group, carrying signs with this candidate’s name, giving the impression that the Peirce School supports this candidate. Please note that Peirce School does not endorse any candidates for public office and are in contact with district officials to determine next steps.
Dunne himself sent an apology email to concerned parents.
“Because it was not my intention for my campaign to co-opt Peirce’s participation in the Lunar New Year Parade. I have many enthusiastic supporters and unfortunately by the time that enthusiasm has taken precedence over better judgement. I’ll make sure we get on better,” Dunne wrote.
Concerns over the parade come after the campaign fallout from Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent emails to CPS teachers asking for volunteers for the student campaign.
The city, CPS, and ethics enforcement agencies are investigating the email explosion, which appears to violate the PSC’s ethical codes relating to political activity.
It is not clear whether an ethical code has been violated in this case.
“Especially what has already happened in the city, I think we need to have more conversations about this and moving forward on what needs to happen,” Wills said.
Also running in Ward’s 48th Aldermanic race are Larry Svabek, Nick Ward, Andre Peloquin, Brian J. Haag, Isaac Freilich Jones, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, Roxanne Volkmann, Andy Peters and Nassir Faulkner.
