Community leaders in East Aurora are demanding the resignation of a school board member and advocating for “systemic changes” within the district to foster a more inclusive environment for all students and staff.
On Monday night, District 131 School Board member Mayra Reyes publicly apologized for remarks she allegedly made a year ago during an interview for a previously vacant school board position.
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“I deeply apologize for the hurt and frustration. Clearly, it was never my intention to offend or discriminate in any way, shape, or form against any minority group,” Reyes stated.
The comments, community leaders say, resurfaced in a recording from a closed meeting.
“I was so focused on the questions being asked that I failed to respond to this particular question with the sensitivity and care that it warranted,” Reyes explained.
ABC7 has received what is purported to be audio of the comments, but they are not sharing it because the remarks were made during a closed meeting, and the full context is missing.
However, attendees at Monday night’s meeting described Reyes’ comments about the district’s dual language program as insensitive and unfair to Black students.
“We must be very demanding in making sure that people who represents the community and just not one race is serving,” one speaker said.
Black East Aurora community leaders say the apology is not enough.
“Apology was nice. Unfortunately, it was a year late,” said Quad County Urban League President and CEO Theodia Gillespie. “We want to continue this discussion, and we want to continue to really force her resignation, because representation matters, and what you say matters for the good of our children.”
Now, they are demanding her resignation as well as changes within the district to allow for a more inclusive environment.
“This is not a matter of asking for anything. This is our right. This is our heritage,” said DuPage County NAACP President Michael Childress.
Following intensive public comment at Monday night’s school board meeting, the district board president said the road ahead to repair is not easy, but it is necessary.
“It is something we have to do together as a community to make the district where every student is able to thrive and staff members feel like they are at home,” said District 131 School Board President Juan Sifuentes Jr.
The district superintendent responded to allegations of an “unwelcome environment within the district,” saying leaders are working on “improving the climate and culture of our district remains one of my highest priorities.” The statement continues to say, “We have been actively analyzing historical trends and community feedback… to foster an equitable and respectful environment for every student and staff member.”
In Monday night’s meeting, the superintendent said he wants to continue monthly discussions with community leaders to ensure all students and staff are supported.
As for Reyes, she made no indication of resigning from her position based off of her statement on Monday night.
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