Arne Duncan, former Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama, was spotted at an anti-Israel encampment alongside Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, who has faced criticism for participating in an event where an American flag was burned. The photo was shared on social media by the Coalition of Progressive Staffers from the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago city council.
Sigcho-Lopez, representing Chicago’s 25th ward, was seen speaking at the University of Chicago encampment. He had previously come under fire for appearing at a rally where the American flag was burned. This incident drew backlash from several Chicago aldermen and veterans, questioning how an elected official could support such actions.
The rally Sigcho-Lopez attended called for the cancellation of the Democratic National Convention scheduled to be held in Chicago. At the event, he stood in front of a banner reading, “Cancel The DNC, No Genocide Joe In Chicago,” in reference to President Joe Biden.
In response to the criticism, Sigcho-Lopez clarified that the flag had been burned before he arrived at the rally and stated that he does not condone such actions. The Chicago city council, with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s tie-breaking vote, passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel and Hamas conflict earlier in the year.
Duncan’s presence at the anti-Israel encampment at the University of Chicago coincided with similar protests erupting on college campuses nationwide. These demonstrations were sparked by an initial encampment at Columbia University, leading to further protests and encampments at various institutions.
Although the original encampment at Columbia University was dismantled, a new one was established until it was dispersed by the New York Police Department following a takeover of Hamilton Hall by protesters. This occurrence has triggered a wave of anti-Israel protests and encampments at universities across the country.
