Chicago Teachers Union Leader Addresses School Issues

Stacey Davis Gates, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), stated on Monday that the union’s philosophy is that “all children belong to” them.

During an event at the Chicago City Club, Gates voiced concerns about the ongoing issues within Chicago schools, criticized efforts to diminish the influence of teacher unions, and described his education agenda as a “relationship” harking back to Civil War times.

Referencing civil rights advocate James Baldwin, Gates conveyed to the audience, “Children are always ours. Every single one of us all around the world.” He acknowledged parents might react by saying, “CTU thinks your child is that child,” to which Gates replied, “Yes, that’s right. We will.” It’s an interesting stance, and perhaps a bit controversial.

Despite attempts to reach out, the CTU did not provide any comments when contacted.

Gates also suggested that actions by former President Trump aimed at dismantling the Department of Education and targeting federal workers are akin to attacks on the civil rights movement.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) currently grapples with significant academic challenges, as fewer than one-third of elementary students can read at grade level, with only 18% reportedly performing well in mathematics, according to a 2024 district report. Frequent strikes led by the CTU have resulted in students missing school for extended periods.

The union had kept children out of classrooms for over a year during the Covid-19 pandemic, not allowing them to return until August 2021. Even into 2022, CTU was advocating for remote learning while schools faced further closures after union actions.

Now, Chicago schools are under federal scrutiny due to allegations of maintaining discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It has been reported that the district is “focusing on relief measures exclusively for Black students,” despite acknowledging that students from all racial backgrounds are struggling academically.

Additionally, revelations indicate that the Chicago school system is entwined with ideologically charged content, including workshops on gender and sexuality.