Pritzker To Speak At Hinsdale Central High

HINSDALE, IL – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has accepted a liberal student group's invitation to speak at Hinsdale Central High School, the school announced Thursday. (After this story appeared, the governor's office said it never accepted the invitation.)

The Democratic billionaire is set to speak sometime during the week of May 15. He will attend a school assembly that will last no more than a half hour, the school said.

The school said Pritzker is coming at the invitation of the Student Liberal Association, an official Central club that says it examines liberal ideology.

In its statement, the school said it will ensure that the assembly is a nonpartisan event focused on civics.

"With that said, we understand and appreciate that members of our school community may have political beliefs, philosophies and ideologies that differ from those of Mr. Pritzker," the school said. "As part of our regular procedures for assemblies, students will have the chance to opt out of attending."

Nonparticipating students are asked to tell their teachers once the date is set.

The event will be limited to Hinsdale Central students and staff, the school said. Grant Street may be closed for part of the day because of the security for the governor's visit.

"In the meantime, we want to thank our Student Liberal Association for its hard work in securing this unique opportunity for our school community," the school said.

Those with questions are urged to email Principal Bill Walsh.