Bernie Sanders Backs Fired Lake View Principal

CHICAGO, IL - The unexpected and sudden firing of Blaine Elementary School Principal Troy LaRaviere during Spring Break not only drew the ire of supportive parents, but that of a Democratic Presidential hopeful.

Bernie Sanders, who trails frontrunner Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary by a significant delegate margin but remains in the race for the presidency, called the firing of LaRaviere a form of “politically-motivated retaliation” on his campaign Facebook page on Thursday.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that a school principal is facing politically-motivated retaliation because he dared to stand up to the mayor of Chicago,” Sanders wrote. “The only explanation for Chicago Principal Troy LaRaviere's removal appears to be Mayor Emanuel’s unhealthy obsession with taking revenge.”

READ MORE: Principal Who Criticized Rahm Emanuel is Suddenly Fired

In a photo posted of LaRaviere, Sanders added the quote: “I condemn Principal LaRaviere’s reassignment and call on Democrats around the country to stand up against Mayor Emanuel’s pettiness.”

Sanders, like LaRaviere, has long been a critic of Chicago’s Mayor, previously thanking him for endorsing Clinton rather than himself.

“I do not want the Mayor’s endorsement,” Sanders said a few months back.

Parents of Blaine Elementary students received an email late Wednesday night indicating the principal is being “reassigned.”

LaRaviere has been an outspoken critic of Emanuel, often writing op-ed pieces opposed to his policies and campaigned publicly for Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in the 2015 Mayoral runoff election.

Sanders’ social media blast aimed at Emanuel has received more than 4,000 likes.

“I salute Troy for standing up against the machine,” one commenter posted.