Phone calls to Superintendent Alan Leis (630-420-6311) and Naperville Mayor Pradel (mayor@naperville.il.us) or (630) 420-6018 seem to be working -- keep them up.
Leis issued this statement as posted on Astute Blogger:
NAPERVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 203
Message sent - 3/27/2009
Statement regarding proposed Ayers visit to NNHS
We have received numerous emails and phone calls regarding the proposed visit of UIC professor Dr. Bill Ayers to speak with Naperville North High School students next month, with permission from their parents.
While we firmly believe in exposing students to a wide variety of speakers and opinions, offering them the chance to experience different viewpoints and the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills (one of the tenants of our mission), please know that we would never invite anyone who advocates violence. Our understanding is that Bill Ayers does not, although this point is being actively debated by several who have contacted us. In addition, administrators from other school districts who have heard his presentation to students, have indicated that Ayers focuses on students being involved in social justice.
Given the interest this has stirred in the community, and the strong emotion and anger that is being expressed, we are currently reviewing this decision and are also exploring options for changing the venue. For those who have expressed concern over funding this, it should be noted that Dr. Ayers was never being paid for this visit.
Once a decision has been made, we plan to update parents of Naperville North students on this issue via Talk203.
Alan Leis, Superintendent of Schools
Naperville School District 203
