W E D N E S D A Y
June 11, 2025 Vol. 45, No. 49
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JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
Beyond immigration ‘sanctuary,’ Oak Park pushed to become LGBTQ+ safety zone Facing federal pressure, Oak Park leaders reaffirm role as sanctuary city for immigrants, but residents ask for new ordinance protecting queer people
Page 32
Dynamic Sakellaris duo honored as top teachers Oak Park Education Foundation names in-laws as Staszak Award winners
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s role as a “sanctuary city” for both immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community was highlighted at the June 3 village board meeting. Both residents and elected leaders spoke to the importance of codifying the village’s commitment to progressive stances on immigrants’ rights and acceptance of gay, queer and transgender people. Amid President Donald Trump’s crackdowns on undocumented immigration, transgender rights, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, residents and board members said Oak Park must double down on its commitment to them. The village government faced a direct challenge from the Trump administration in late May as it was included on a See SANTUARY on page 11
OPRF softballers head downstate again
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
ALEX ROGALS/FILE
Aaron McManus in front of the Oak Park Public Library in 2022.
When chatting with long-time Irving Elementary School teachers Nick and Kara Sakellaris, their relationship takes some explaining. First off: No, they aren’t married. Kara is married to Nick’s younger brother Max, who teaches at Oak Park and River Forest High School. For many years, Nick’s wife, Courtney, worked at OPRF as an assistant athletic director. “Everyone always thinks Kara and I are married,” said Nick, who teaches third grade. “It takes a little family-tree explanation.” See TEACHERS on page 9
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