CTU President Declares Children Belong to the Union

Stacey Davis Gates, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), made a bold statement during her speech at the City Club in Chicago, stating, “The kids belong to us.” She referenced James Baldwin, underlining a philosophy that every child around the world is part of their community. “Yes, we believe your child is our child,” she emphasized.

In her speech, Davis Gates expressed strong sentiments about the union’s role in educating and supporting children, claiming critics suggest the CTU has a “socialist conspiracy ideology.” She insisted that the union is committed to raising and advocating for the children they educate.

The CTU’s speech, given at a forum known for hosting prominent political figures, reflects broader concerns in Chicago’s public school system, which is currently grappling with low enrollment numbers and significant challenges in funding and performance. Corey Deangelis, a senior fellow and school choice advocate, criticized the CTU, suggesting that if they were parents, they might lose custody due to the poor educational outcomes associated with Chicago’s public schools.

Davis Gates has previously stirred controversy with her opinions on school choice and has attributed certain societal issues to political ideologies. Recently, during contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools, the union made a substantial request for funding, asking for over $50 billion, which is roughly equal to the entire tax revenue of Illinois for a year.

As the city faces a registration crisis, current statistics reveal around 325,000 students enrolled in schools, a decline of 70,000 over the past decade. Reports indicate many schools operate well below capacity, raising questions about efficiency and costs.

Davis Gates’ recent communiques and demands come amidst criticism of how resources are allocated in Chicago’s educational landscape, prompting ongoing debates about the efficacy of current policies.