CPS Board president candidate Victor Henderson responds to past abuse allegations

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A candidate for Chicago Public Schools Board president is defending himself against allegations of abuse that surfaced years ago in court filings tied to his divorce and custody case.

Attorney Victor Henderson, one of five candidates in the race, says the claims are being used against him for political gain.

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Henderson was the first candidate to file petitions for school board president in May. Three months later, he is facing questions about documents filed after his divorce, which was finalized in 2008. In an emergency petition to modify parenting time, his ex-wife, Sherita, wrote that she learned in late 2010 of "several violent and abusive incidents" involving Henderson and their two sons.

A subsequent filing described the allegations in more detail. One document stated that Henderson "proceeded to take their older son into the garage and beat him repeatedly with the wooden handle of a garden hoe." Another filing said the same child told his mother and therapist that "Victor will sometimes come into his bedroom in the middle of the night and whip him with a belt while he is asleep under the covers."

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Henderson declined an interview request but said in a statement that the records contain allegations made during "an emotionally difficult chapter" in his family's life. He said there were "no criminal charges, no arrests, and no findings by any court establishing those allegations as fact."

Mayor Brandon Johnson said he was unaware of the situation but noted that leaders must hold themselves to "a righteous standard." He added that voters will ultimately decide whether Henderson is qualified.

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, who chairs the City Council's Education Committee, said the allegations are serious and concerning to parents. She said Henderson must explain them to voters in his district.

Henderson said his family has worked to heal over the years and argued that campaigns should focus on ideas and leadership.

"They should not become exercises in using people's families as political pawns or reopening deeply personal matters simply to gain a political advantage," he said.

Henderson's ex-wife could not be reached for comment.

Henderson said he will continue his campaign and believes nothing in the court filings prevents him from serving with integrity.

In a statement, Henderson said:

"Over the past several days, opposition researchers have circulated documents from a divorce proceeding that concluded more than fifteen years ago. Those records contain allegations that were made during an emotionally difficult chapter in my family's life. There were no criminal charges, no arrests, and no findings by any court establishing those allegations as fact.

"Like many families, mine experienced painful moments. Those are deeply personal matters, and over the years we have worked hard to heal, move forward, and rebuild our lives together.

"I am extremely disappointed that a campaign for public office would descend into using private family matters-and, by extension, my children-as political weapons rather than focusing on the issues that matter to Chicago's students and families. My children are now adults. They deserve to live their lives without having deeply personal family matters from many years ago dragged back into the public eye for political gain.

"Campaigns should be contests of ideas, qualifications, leadership, and vision. They should not become exercises in using people's families as political pawns or reopening deeply personal matters simply to gain a political advantage. Chicago deserves better than that. Our Children deserve better than that.

"This election should be about the children of Chicago - their education, their safety, their opportunities, and the future of our public schools. It should be about improving academic achievement, ensuring fiscal responsibility, supporting our teachers, and preparing students for successful futures. That is why I entered this race, and that remains my focus today.

"Nothing contained in these years-old family court records prevents me from serving with integrity or fulfilling the responsibilities of President of the Chicago Board of Education. My record as an attorney, former Certified Public Accountant, business leader, father, and community leader speaks for itself.

"If elected, I will work every day for the children and taxpayers of Chicago. I will work for the students and taxpayers - and I will work with everyone else who has a stake. I will listen respectfully, make decisions independently, and always ask one question before acting: What is best for students?

"I refuse to allow painful family matters from many years ago to distract from the real issues facing Chicago Public Schools. Nor will I allow negative campaign tactics to discourage me from continuing this campaign. Be mindful that I am the only Black male in this race, and we have seen these types of character-attack maneuvers before.

"Throughout my life, I have taught my children that character is measured not by the challenges we face, but by how we respond to them. I intend to respond by staying focused on the children and families of Chicago, and by running the kind of campaign that reflects the values of respect, integrity, and service.

"Chicago's children deserve nothing less."