Rush asks Quinn to reconsider call for resignation of University of Illinois Trustees Jim Montgomery and Frances Carroll

CHICAGO -- Today, U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) asked Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to reconsider his call for the resignation of two prominent members of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees which has recently been mired in an admissions scandal. The congressman wrote the governor to request that prominent attorney James D. Montgomery, Esq., and educator, Dr. Frances Carroll, two highly regarded members of the African American community, be allowed to remain on the board.

"Recently you have asked the University of Illinois Board of Trustees for resignation letters in the wake of a report about the school’s admissions scandal.  Included among those trustees are Attorney James D. Montgomery and Dr. Frances Carroll.  I respectfully request that you reconsider your request for the resignation of these individuals," Rush said. "Attorney Montgomery is an outstanding citizen, legal scholar and civil rights activist.  He is the former corporation counsel for the City of Chicago under the late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, and the head of one of the nation’s most outstanding law firms.  It is grossly unfair to tarnish his hard earned, highly regarded reputation and his exceptional character by virtue of your request.   I have personally known Mr. Montgomery and his family for several decades and they are beyond reproach. He is a man of high honor and high moral character.   I agree with him in his assertion that should he step down this would be an act tantamount to an admission of guilt.

"Dr. Carroll is, equally, a person of honor and high moral character.  She is an outstanding educator and civic leader whose contributions to the school children of Chicago have been invaluable in her capacities as a Chicago Public Schools teacher and administrator, including the daunting task of serving as principal of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.  I trust you will reconsider your position and act accordingly."

Editor's Note: Letter attached.

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