Committee for a Better Chicago

August 6, 2009

Chicago Board of Education

125 South Clark Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
6th Floor

The Committee for a Better Chicago and Concerned Community Leaders oppose the Chicago
Public Schools choice of Jeremih as its back to school role model.

This morning, we gathered in the lobby of the Chicago Public Schools Headquarters on to
denounce your Back to School Campaign featuring Jeremih, a local music artist known for his
sexually suggestive lyrics.

While we respect Jeremih’s commitment to his personal academic accomplishment, we oppose

your decision to make him the central figure in the Back to School promotional campaign. Our
opposition is based upon the fact that Jeremih’s hit song; “Birthday Sex,” promotes gratuitous
sexual acts. This suggested promotional campaign would wrongfully edify Jeremih and give
further credence to his lyrics.

We, the concerned community leaders, believe CPS grossly erred in its decision to endorse a
singer of mature content and thereby bolster his standing in among young impressionable
children. The use of Jeremih in this or any CPS promotion has the dangerous potential to
encourage young children to engage in sexual acts diametrically counter to sound academic
principles.

In case you have not figured it out, Jeremih’s most notable musical content is wholly
inappropriate when intended to attract and influence school aged children.

We, the concerned community activists demand that CPS publicly disassociate itself from
Jeremih or face dire consequences.

Concerned Community Activist

William Dock Walls

Gilda Walker
Roman Morrow
Bishop Edgar Jackson
Mamma Dee
Tabitha Floyd
Vivian Tyler