The Waukegan School Board in Illinois wants to rename Thomas Jefferson Middle School because he owned slaves.
One of the finalists is to rename the school after former President Barack Obama.
However, Latino activist are speaking out, saying that Barack was an “oppressor” of illegal immigrants.
The board met on Tuesday night to discuss the name changes where Latino activist demonstrated and spoke out against Obama.
One school board member, Edgar Castellano, is echoing the activists concerns. Castellanos says “I will not be part of renaming a school after someone who did not and does not represent the undocumented community.”
Activist/Organizer Julie Contreras says Obama failed to deliver on promises to help the immigrant population.
“from the time Barack Obama became President until 2017 when he left, he today is still the highest ranking president with deportations in our nation.We feel that Barack Obama did disservice to us. He denied us, and he didn't stop the deportations, the way he promised...
if you're removing the name of Thomas Jefferson - one oppressor - the name of Obama is another oppressor and our families do not want to see that name.”
Mauricio Sanchez joined the demonstration because he says his father was deported in 2015 under Obama. His says the Obama name is a reminder of their struggle.
Grab the popcorn, this is going to be fun to watch.