Myron Dean Quon, Esq. notified January 13 the problem of dedication to Mike North at the Senn High School. Senn High School's LSC voted January 10th night to have Alderman Mary Ann Smith decide on the dedication of the school field after Mike North. (A CPS representative informed the hundred-plus crowd at the hearing that November's LSC 5-4 vote to dedicate the field was null - it needed 6 votes. And Alderman Smith, as chair of the Chicago Park District committee, has actual decision-making authority.).
The board hearing commenced with a reading of Ald. Smith's response to Asian American Institute's complaint concerning North as an inappropriate Senn High role model (given his usage of racially derogatory language during radio broadcasts). The Alderman's response stated in part "Had I known about his pattern of behavior, I would have said 'no' to the request that we dedicate the field to him."
Although this matter is over, Asian American Institute remains vigilant guarding our civil rights. A number of Asian American organizations who protested the dedication include Asian American Institute, Japanese American Citizens League, Organization of Chinese Americans, Italian American Human Relations Foundation, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and the Asian American Coalition.
Reported by CBS Chicago, emotions ran high as the Senn High School Council debated naming a park district field next door to the school after sports radio host Mike North. North used the word "Chinaman" in his broadcasting.
But many at the meeting said this was not an isolated incident but part of North's shtick, and that he is an equal opportunity offender.
North insisted he is an entertainer, not a racist, and clearly would not make the same mistake again.
In the end, the council members agreed not to vote on naming the field. They say they will leave
that up to the alderman.
North's station, WSCR radio, is owned by CBS, which also owns WBBM-TV.