Downers Grove Library Board Member Accused Of Homophobic Comments Won't Get Seat Back: Judge

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A former Downers Grove Library board member will not be permitted to return to the board after he allegedly made homophobic comments during an August meeting about inclusion. A DuPage County judge ruled Thursday to uphold the Village Board's removal of Arthur Jaros, who had challenged his removal and is also suing village officials for defamation of character.

Jaros initially challenged whether or not it was within the village's power to remove him from his post. In a statement Thursday, the Village of Downers Grove said, Judge Paul Fullerton held that the Village Council action was a valid exercise of home-rule authority."

Jaros, who plans to appeal the decision, expressed disappointment that the hearing did not go into details about the reason for which he had been removed, Suburban Life reports.

The Village Board voted unanimously to remove Jaros from the library board after notes from an August 23 meeting alleged he had made homophobic and racist comments. The notes, taken by League of Women Voters member Sue Farley, allege that Jaros opposed children at the library being exposed to materials that depicted homosexuality. Jaros allegedly continued to quote the Illinois School Code and to express his personal beliefs about the nature of homosexuality and marriage.

Jaros has sued Farley, Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully, and two other village board members with defamation of character as a result of his ousting from the board.

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