From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
School Board Candidate Defends Discipline
Victor Henderson says school staff should never use corporal punishment.
In brief
Victor Henderson says school staff should never use corporal punishment. Victor Henderson, a Black Chicago School Board candidate, denies child abuse allegations but says teachers must never use physical punishment. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Victor Henderson
Victor Henderson is one of four candidates running for Chicago School Board president.
Ex-wife's 2011 allegations
In 2011, Henderson's ex-wife alleged their son said Henderson hit him with a garden hoe, leaving scratches and bruises.
Henderson denies abuse
Henderson denies ever abusing his children and says the court never suspended his parenting time or restricted his relationship with them.
Court records show custody
Court records show Henderson resumed overnight, unsupervised visits with his children after the initial custody order.
Opponent's criticism
Jessica Biggs, another school board candidate, said someone with a history of domestic violence should not lead schools.
Corporal punishment in Illinois
Illinois bans corporal punishment in public schools but allows it in private schools, with 15 states permitting it in public schools.
Henderson's distinction
Henderson says teachers should never use corporal punishment but parents may discipline their children.
Campaign support
Henderson is supported by U.S. Reps. Danny K. Davis and Robin Kelly and pastors of major Black churches.
Supporter's view
Henderson's supporters say the focus on his ex-wife's allegations is a racist smear campaign.
Henderson's response
Henderson said he disciplined his children when they broke rules but never abused them, emphasizing cultural responsibility.
Guardian ad litem
A guardian ad litem approved the boys' return to Henderson after investigating serious allegations.
Henderson's legal work
Henderson represented parents in a 2023 lawsuit against a special education teacher accused of physical punishment.
Opponent's stance
Henderson's opponent Jessica Biggs seized on the ex-wife's allegations as evidence of unfit leadership.
Henderson's view
Henderson said revisiting this history is 'not enjoyable' but he will help children across Chicago regardless.
Current race dynamics
The race for Chicago School Board president has $2.1 million in spending and is seen as a proxy for the mayoral election.
What happens next
Henderson will focus on ensuring Chicago Public Schools policies are followed and fair investigations of allegations.
The bottom line
Victor Henderson, a Black Chicago School Board candidate, denies child abuse allegations but says teachers must never use physical punishment.
