SE Illinois News

Republican gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) has endorsed Awake Illinois’ Parents Bill of Rights. 

“Illinois is going to be the difference," Bailey said in his endorsement. "We shape up our schools, we start lifting up the family unit, we start saving our children. It's going to be Illinois in the next two years that's going to be the catalyst for that change for this entire nation. I wholeheartedly believe that. I look forward to leading the way.” 

Awake Illinois founder and president Shannon Adcock announced the parental rights campaign in an April 20 meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education. In that meeting, Adcock called for the resignation of ISBE director Carmen Ayala. 

"Carmen Ayala should resign, as should every member on the board who did not fight for children and lawful due process the last two years who all waged war on our children," Adcock said, according to Prairie State Wire. "They should all be gone, every one of them. Other than that, they're doing great." Awake Illinois is a non-profit social welfare organization that has over 20,000 members, Adcock said on a Facebook Live segment with Bailey.

Awake Illinois’ Parents Bill of Rights lays out fundamental principles by which the group expects children to be treated in the state’s schools. 

“All candidates running for elected office are invited to pledge support. Names will be listed on the AWAKE ILLINOIS Parents Bill of Rights website as they are received,” according to the group’s website.

Bailey was the first to pledge his support to the AWAKE ILLINOIS' Parents Bill of Rights and has urged parents to be part of saving the children.

Bailey is part of a crowded GOP field for governor that includes tech entrepreneur Jesse Sullivan, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, former state senator Paul Schimpf, McHenry County businessman Gary Rabine, Max Solomon, and Emily Johnson. The primary will be held on June 28.