GoFundMe launched for veterans chicago– A district physical education teacher was fired after allegedly making a two-word post of support on social media. ice. community activists and local legislator James Heidorn, a longtime educator at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, sparked outrage last month when he wrote “GO ICE” on Facebook in response to news reports that local police had pledged to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
“This process has been devastating and surreal both professionally and personally,” Haydorn told Fox News Digital on Sunday, February 15. “I have spent 14 years building my career and dedicating myself to educating children, building relationships and being a positive role model.”
“To see this all turned upside down by two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ in which I expressed my personal support for law enforcement, was a crushing blow to my career,” he added.
this is what happened
Haydorn’s “GO ICE” post sparked outrage in his Hispanic school district. He was initially placed on leave and then asked to meet with human resources on January 22, the New York Post reported.
Haydorn briefly resigned, but withdrew his resignation later that day. He was scheduled to return to school next Monday for investigation.
However, the backlash continues. Illinois Sen. Karina Villa, who was seen in a September video chasing ICE agents down the street, condemned Haydorn’s post as “disturbing” while claiming she was “unwaveringly united” with families who were upset by it.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey also released a video condemning Haydorn’s post as “hurtful” and “offensive” to many in the community.
“The problem is we have trusted adults who take care of the children when they can’t be with their parents,” Bovey said. “So to have someone arrogantly support – as if it was a football game or something, yeah – those events that are traumatic for these kids … that’s the problem.”
Bovey then arranged a “listening session” for members of the school community, which even included a Spanish translator. There, parents and locals criticized Heidorn, calling his post “cruel” while claiming “children feel unsafe as a result”.
“It started with a two-word comment I made on my personal Facebook page in support of law enforcement and that was it,” Haydorn said. “It is not targeted at any student, family or school community.”
“Secondly, I was placed on leave and put under intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could be carried out, which resulted in my resignation,” he added. “Third, I lost my career, my income, and the opportunity to have a good time with my students — no goodbye, no farewell.”
Haydorn said the hardest part for him was losing the close relationships he had developed with his students over the years.
“Emotionally, it’s been a roller coaster ride, and I’ve been left with a lot of shock, loss and deep sadness over the loss of daily contact with my students,” Haydorn said.
He added: “The way things escalated so quickly without real dialogue has left me angry and frustrated and sad that I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to the children I cared about so much. “I’ve had sleepless nights.”
Haydorn further said, “But I’m trying to focus on my family and the support I get from people who know the real me.”
Haydorn resigned a second time after a hearing with school officials. The anger even caused him to lose his job as a football coach at a nearby private school.
“I really don’t know what I’m going to do next because teaching has been all I wanted to do so far,” Haydorn said. “That’s the whole purpose of my studies, teaching is what defines me. Even advancing my education through a master’s degree in educational leadership because I want to be the best teacher I can be.”
GoFundMe launched
Supporters initiated to fund me For Heidorn, the page reads “Donations will help cover basic living expenses and possible relocation expenses as he works to rebuild his career and move forward.” The fundraiser describes him as “a beloved physical education teacher.”
“For 14 years, James was in front of his students every day, inspiring 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 reads.
It added, “Following the comments, a false narrative quickly developed. The label being attached was far removed from who he truly was. His character was publicly questioned. The opportunities he had worked hard for over the years, including a future coaching job he had dreamed of, were immediately shattered.”
“This fundraiser is for those asking how to show support during this suddenly life-changing time. James’ new reality is unexpected unemployment and uncertainty about when or if he will be able to return to the classroom. He may be forced to take a job outside of education, possibly at a much lower salary, just to provide stability,” the fundraiser explains.
As of this writing, $59,879 of the $100,000 goal has been raised.
