Dupage Policy Journal

Erica Bray-Parker, a candidate for the Wheaton City Council in District 4, is being accused of flexing her political muscle even before the election.

The Glenbard North High teacher and Civics Club instructor is facing allegations of bullying local business owners into removing the signs and advertisements of candidates she doesn’t feel align with her views, and of brainwashing her students.

Local business owner Janet Shaw has heard all the rumors. And the former local school board candidate is convinced this isn't the time or place for such shenanigans.

"Hearing this story, I find it very disturbing that a high school teacher is weaponizing her students for political bullying,” she told the DuPage Policy Journal. “That is not OK in our schools, and could be disastrous on City Council. Both sides should be able to express their opinion. Silencing those with a different point of view is unethical. Much like a trial, both sides must be heard to come to the best decision.”

While Shaw admits she does not know Bray-Parker personally, she added that as a local resident with the community’s best interest at heart she feels compelled to speak out.

“I did a web search for her and found her on a site that rates teachers,” she added. “Almost all the posts said she is ‘cool.’ There were two (out of 14) with negative comments that would also apply to her ability to govern. One said ‘she would always get off task’ and the other ‘she tries too hard to be the cool teacher but in reality is too lazy and unknowledgeable to run a class.’ We don’t need someone ‘cool’ on City Council. We need someone who will listen to all points of view, do her homework and do what is best for the whole community.”

In May 2018, Bray-Parker turned heads when she penned a letter printed in the Daily Herald blasting then state Rep. Peter Breen of Lombard as “detached from the district” based on his stance on gun control.