To the editors:

Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »

This statue was actually completed by early September of 1992, when it was illegally placed and dedicated in Humboldt Park by Congressman Gutierrez and Alderman Billy Ocasio. It was immediately removed by the Park District after protests from the Puerto Rican and other ethnic members of the Humboldt Park community.

When alerted that the statue was once again being considered, the Humboldt Park Civic Committee issued a press release and asked for a public hearing on the issue. Congressman Gutierrez’s chief aide Enrique Fernandez made statements implying a Cuban conspiracy to erect a Cuban statue in Humboldt Park.

Two assistant principals and the local school council at Clemente High School are members of the Campos movement. Students and teachers have long complained that they have been intimidated and coerced into promoting a radical political cause.

West Humboldt Park