Dupage Policy Journal

Shannon Adcock, founder and president of parents rights group Awake Illinois, is disappointed the Hilton Oak Brook capitulated to phoned in threats of a planned protest against of an event sponsored by the organization. 

Adcock, who is also chairwoman of the DuPage chapter of Mothers for Liberty, said the Hilton manager returned the group’s deposit and canceled the contract after facing threats of protests. 

“(The manager) basically said that although he agrees with our free speech and advocacy, unfortunately, cancel culture is a real thing in they are looking out for their assets and property in case somebody should show up and try and protest us,” Adcock told DuPage Policy Journal. 

“I posed the question, 'what message does that send to the anti free speech free marketplace mob?' And he didn't have an answer.” 

“It's an advocate workshop Awake Illinois and Moms for Liberty are cosponsoring. It's for parents, it's for community advocates, school board candidates and pretty much anybody that wants to really dive into parental rights. Education topics such as sex education, opting out and Leadership Institute is planning to be there to do a break out.” 

“We have it listed on our website. We had the location listed and in true, anti-free speech mob fashion they've been calling the property, demanding that they cancel us and they did it.” 

“Across the country, the anti-free speech mob smears who they fear. So they fear Awake Illinois. They fear for liberty. They fear anyone that's going to disrupt a system that is trying to destroy the Constitution of the United States, destroy parental rights and destroy liberty. So they smear who they fear and they clearly fear again, Awake Illinois of Moms for Liberty and any grassroots group that is for the U.S. Constitution and for this republic. That's where we've arrived in 2022, going on 2023.” 

“So we're not stopping because our tagline has always been, we can't be canceled. I have every expectation that we will find an even better venue so that regular people in their communities can get even more resources to keep advocating for liberty for all.”

Adcock said a recent event drew a "sad little group of protesters outside" but a Dec. 3 event in Warrenville drew no opposition.

Adcock said they are searching for another host for the event which is still listed on Awake Illinois’s website. 

It was initially planned for Jan. 14 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills located at 3500 Midwest Rd. In Oak Brook. 

“Parents, school board candidates, and community members are invited to attend this all-day seminar in Oak Brook, IL. This series of workshops will cover parental rights, education, and civic topics. Awake members get a 20% discount on tickets (see newsletter). Schedule TBA soon!” the event’s landing page reads.

Awake Illinois has recently been the brunt of much leftist fervor particularly from U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) who the group accused of defamation during the campaign season. That came after the cancellation of a Drag Queen Bingo and drag show to be held at Downers Grove Library.

Adcock earlier announced a run for the Indian Prairie District 204 school board, but pulled her bid to focus on statewide issues.