Elmhurst Official Says Business Sign Was Racist

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst Alderman Mike Brennan said Monday he agreed with those who contend a sign in a local business' window late last year was racist.

At the same time, Brennan, who represents Ward 7, said he believed the business, Dulles Cleaners, had the right to post the sign. He is the second alderman to speak publicly on the subject.

The sign in question at Dulles Cleaners, 128 N. Addison Ave., read, "Pray For The Removal Of Demonic Chinese Influence In Our Country." The sign was posted for a few days late last year, but became widely known after a photo of it was published online in March.

The owner, John Dulles, has said his sign targeted the Chinese government, not the Chinese people.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Brennan reviewed Supreme Court cases that showed people have the right to spread their messages, including even wearing an obscene shirt in a courthouse.

"Some believe Dulles Cleaners has the right to post whatever they want in their store window and that right is protected under the U.S. Constitution," Brennan said. "I agree with that."

He said some people believe a number of Dulles Cleaners' signs are racist, distasteful and hurtful.

"I agree with this opinion, but that is an individual's opinion that they're entitled to have," Brennan said. "That said, I'm often disappointed in the content."

He said he valued differences of opinion, which is the only way to innovate and improve upon the status quo.

"It's imperative we embrace our differences and embrace our diversity, and when we agree to disagree, we do so in a respectful way," Brennan said. "In my opinion, respect is missing in our society today, and it saddens and concerns me quite frankly."

He said that's why he joined the Respect Elmhurst group on Facebook. To join, people must pledge to listen to others, treat others with kindness and keep an open mind, among other things. The group has more than 200 members.

During a council meeting two weeks ago, Ward 6 Alderman Mike Honquest defended Dulles Cleaners' free speech rights. But he said he disagreed with the sign in question and with the merchant in general.

After the criticism this spring, Dulles posted a new sign that read, "I apologize for using the wrong word 'people' instead of 'government' in my sign 6 months ago."