Prosecutors: College of Lake County student tore down Pride flag, attacked two teachers

A College of Lake County student faces felony battery and hate crime charges after authorities said he tore down a Pride flag and attacked two teachers at the Grayslake campus.

Jason D. May, 20, of Wadsworth is charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and one felony hate crime count. He was released from Lake County jail late Wednesday morning after posting $5,000, or 10% of the $50,000 bail set by a judge.

A CLC spokeswoman said May withdrew from the college Thursday.

May approached a college staff member at their desk in a staff office and tore down a Pride flag the employee had hanging behind them, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office said Wednesday.

There was a struggle between May and the staff member as well as a second CLC staff member who tried to intervene, officials said.

CLC President Lori Suddick said the college deeply regrets that employees were harmed.

"Acts of hate or aggression are not tolerated," Suddick said. "The College of Lake County stands in unity with the LBGTQIA community."

State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said his office will do everything to protect people subjected to intolerance and violence simply because of who they are or who they love.

"We have been in close contact with those who were attacked in order to support them and provide them with any services they need," Rinehart said.

The LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County, a Grayslake-based nonprofit, said those in need of resources including support groups and therapists can visit its website lgbtqlc.com.