Dupage Policy Journal

Following the cancellation of a Coalition for Kids event featuring a group of parents activists and conservative speakers, the wide gap between the sides of the debate is on display on social media. 

The City of Des Plaine through its Facebook page announced that "After much consideration and careful review of community feedback, Onesti Entertainment has canceled the Des Plaines Theatre booking scheduled for Feb. 8. City Council will work with theatre management to develop mutually agreeable standards to ensure this local landmark is utilized in a manner that reflects the character and culture of the City of Des Plaines.” 

“If you all are looking for some entertainment, read the comments on the City Of Des Plaines Facebook page regarding the cancellation of the @Awake_IL event. People are misinformed and unhinged,” Laura “Random Dude” Lynn said on Twitter. 

Bill Shulman compared parents' rights advocacy group Awake Illinois to Nazis. “In 1977, a group of Nazis from Chicago planned a march in Skokie. We were there to protest. They were denied entry to Skokie and went to court over their right to free speech. The ACLU represented them in court and won the case on free speech grounds. I do not agree with Nazis and I don't agree with Awake Illinois, but they have a right to their opinion and assemble freely. Their opponents are entitled to protest it peacefully, not in a threatening manner,” Shulman wrote on Facebook. In response, many commenters panned Shulman’s as out of touch with reality. “I find it deeply disconcerting that most people are interested in arguing about whether the organization was a hate group or not, instead of being in an uproar over the Des Plaines government essentially saying they are going to infringe on our First Amendment rights,” Heidi Bloom added.

The Coalition for Kids event was set to be held on Feb. 8 at the Des Plaines Theatre. “A diverse group of advocates gather together to transform the conversation on issues affecting children. $5 donation covers security for the event. Pizza and drinks may be purchased at the theater,” Awake Illinois said on its website. The list of speakers includes WVON’s Black Excellence Hour host P Rae, former U.S. Senate candidate and owner of WKCG -AM Matt Dubiel, Chair of Moms for Liberty Lake CountyMarsha McClary, award-winning Latino author Dr. Robert Renteria, member of the New Federal State of ChinaPrince Li, Vandana Jhingan with TV ASIA’s Midwest Bureau, founder of Gays against Groomers Jaimee Mitchell, former Lt. Governor candidate Stephanie Trussell, founder of Awake Illinois Shannon Adcock, and GOP Precinct Committeemen District 141 Terry Newsome.

Des Plaines Alderman Carla Brookman called out activists who tried to shout down supporters of the event at a council. “This demonstrates the lack of tolerance that you people are demonstrating,” Brookman said during the meeting. “It shows a real lack of tolerance for opposing opinions, viewpoints, or even conversation and discussion. So if you don't allow discussion, that is a real problem in our society today. We have to be able to exchange viewpoints and ideas in a respectful fashion.”