Chicago Teachers Union Faces Backlash for Commemorating Controversial Figure
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has sparked significant controversy following their social media tribute to Assata Shakur, who died recently in Cuba. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the union honored Shakur with the phrase “Rest in Power, Rest in Peace,” describing her as “a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom.” The tribute included a quote from Shakur about fighting for freedom, emphasizing her refusal to be silenced. This commemoration has drawn sharp criticism, particularly because of Shakur’s controversial background and status as a figure on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list.
Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron and also known as Joanne Chesimard, had been living in Cuba since 1984 after escaping prison in the United States. Her flight to Cuba followed her 1977 conviction for the murder of State Trooper Werner Foerster during a 1973 shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. The killing left Foerster’s wife and young son without a husband and father. After her prison escape in 1979, Shakur lived underground before eventually finding refuge in Cuba. Her status as a fugitive made her the subject of significant law enforcement attention, with both the FBI and the New Jersey attorney general offering substantial rewards of $1 million each for information leading to her capture.
Critics have been quick to condemn the CTU’s post, arguing that it represents an inappropriate glorification of someone convicted of murdering a law enforcement officer. Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, suggested the union was “trying to alienate reasonable members and win an award for the most unhinged organization on Earth.” He called the post “beyond parody,” questioning why an organization responsible for educating children would honor a convicted murderer on its official social media account. DeAngelis further suggested that the post should serve as a “wake-up call” to Chicago teachers who might feel their values aren’t accurately represented by their union’s leadership and public statements.
This is not the first time the CTU has taken controversial stances that extend beyond traditional educational advocacy. The union has previously voiced opposition to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities. More recently, the CTU participated in a boycott of Target, accusing the retailer of rolling back “its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion” and being complicit “with white supremacy.” These political positions, often expressed in strongly worded public statements, have become something of a hallmark for the organization, drawing both support from like-minded individuals and criticism from those who believe a teachers’ union should maintain a more narrow focus on educational issues.
The controversy surrounding the Shakur tribute comes just weeks after CTU President Stacy Davis Gates made headlines with a statement at the City Club of Chicago, where she reportedly said the union “thinks your children are its children.” This comment, along with the union’s commemoration of Shakur, has fueled criticism from those who believe the CTU has strayed too far from its core mission of representing teachers and supporting education. DeAngelis specifically called on “rational educators who just want to do their job” to consider “opting out” of paying dues to union leadership under Gates, suggesting a growing disconnect between the union’s public positions and the views of some of its members.
The situation highlights the complex and often contentious role that teachers’ unions play in contemporary American society. While traditionally focused on negotiating contracts, securing benefits, and advocating for educational resources, many unions have increasingly engaged with broader social and political issues. The CTU’s commemoration of Shakur represents a particularly stark example of this trend, raising questions about the appropriate boundaries of union activism and the extent to which leadership decisions reflect the diverse perspectives of their membership. As of the report’s publication, the CTU had not responded to requests for comment on the controversy, leaving questions about their decision-making process and response to criticism unanswered.
