Dupage Policy Journal

Mark Rice, a candidate for the 8th Congressional District, has expressed his endorsement for Dr. Robert Renteria's initiative "From the Barrio to the Board Room," which underscores the perils of children's indoctrination in Illinois. He praised Renteria's credibility as a valuable resource for young people, citing his personal triumph over poverty, gangs, drugs, and abuse.

"Robert Renteria lives in Illinois, so he sees what we are up against in terms of the dangerous indoctrination of our children, who are our future," Rice said. "His personal story rising out of poverty, gangs, drugs and abuse makes him a credible resource to our youth."

In a Facebook post, Rice detailed Renteria’s life trajectory from escaping the barrio of East LA to serving over seven years as an elite soldier in the military and later climbing the corporate ladder to become the VP of a publicly traded company. This journey positions him as an accessible role model for young people. Rice emphasized Renteria’s embodiment of the American Dream and his promotion of values such as hard work, dedication and education. Notably, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recognized Renteria at the Hispanic Heritage Reception in September 2009.

Renteria expressed concern about explicit or inappropriate content in educational settings, particularly within schools. He advocated for removing pornography from schools and proposed using the Barrio books as alternative learning tools.

"Let’s get the pornography out of schools; let’s use the Barrio books as alternative learning tools!" he wrote on Facebook.

Renteria is known for his advocacy for education and community upliftment through his influential initiative "From the Barrio to the Board Room." 

The program encourages pride, accomplishment and self-esteem within communities by using culturally relevant tools to inspire change. At its core are books that serve as teaching tools for both youth and adults. These materials, including school-based and faith-based curricula, are donated free of charge. The initiative aims to promote student achievement, enhance critical thinking skills, and bridge educational gaps, according to the foundation.

Renteria's comments follow a 2023 law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker aimed at combating institutions that seek to restrict or remove animated pornography from publicly funded libraries. The law threatens to withdraw public funding from such institutions, like the Harlem School District 122 Board of Education in Machesney Park which decided to remove certain animated titles from its libraries after parental uproar.

"It’s porn," Lynette Hofman, a community member said, according to WIFR, Rockford Sun reported. "We’re talking incest, molestation and pedophilia."

Rice's campaign for the 8th Congressional District emphasizes key issues such as promoting economic growth, upholding fiscal responsibility, enacting tax relief, and addressing immigration reform and border security. Having lived in Illinois for 35 years and currently serving as the CEO of Energy CX, Rice is a prominent figure in the energy sector. He manages a team of 70 in his current role, according to his website. The 8th Congressional District spans northern Cook County, northern DuPage County and northeast Kane County and is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.).