Broadcaster doesn’t deserve honor at school

Former Chicago Bull Dave Corzine dominated the court at John Hersey High School and DePaul University. Grad Steve Chen started YouTube and changed how we exchange information. It was hard getting on the football field sharing a position with schoolmate and All-Ivy League lineman, Dr. Chris Nowinski, an expert on sports and brain trauma. All earned the title “Distinguished Alumni” at Hersey, where I graduated from in 1995.

But there’s one Hersey Hall of Fame member unlike the others. After years of using her radio platform to boost a partisan agenda, this “Distinguished Alumni” recently crossed a red line

On the High School District 214 website, Amy Jacobson is praised for her professionalism as a journalist, but recently Jacobson took to the airwaves to mock Gus Walz, the son of vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. If you have a heart, it was probably touched by Gus Walz’s “That’s my dad.” moment at the Democratic National Convention. He also happens to have a nonverbal learning disorder.

Jacobson laughed at Gus Walz, comparing the 17-year-old to a Chris Farley character on Saturday Night Live. Following an outcry from parents, Jacobson resigned from her position as a varsity volleyball coach at a Chicago high school on Wednesday. Much like Tim Walz, Hersey teacher-coaches from my era — like Bob Huber, Rick Mann and Bruce Glover — served as role models. Tearing down people facing challenges was not tolerated.

Jacobson apologized, but she’s left a trail of apologies after too many offensive takes to list here. Decent people know kids are off limits.

If there is space for Jacobson at Hersey, it’s in the classroom as a cautionary tale, not in a special place of honor.

Patrick Corcoran

Chicago