Thousands of people march in a May Day march and protest on May 1, 2025 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Holley)
A political standoff over whether Chicago Public Schools will remain open on May 1 has left more than 315,000 students and their families unsure, as the district and teachers union remain divided over holding classes on Labor Day.The Chicago Teachers Union has called for classes to be canceled to allow teachers and students to participate in Labor Day protests across the city. The demonstrations coincide with International Labor Day, which has historically attracted large turnouts in Chicago.However, McCullen King, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, said the district does not plan to cancel classes.“As a professional educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students,” King said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.
She added that the school board can still make the final decision.
The union demands participation in Labor Day
The union proposed turning May 1 into a professional development day for teachers, instead of a session scheduled for June 5, which falls after the end of the semester.I also filed a complaint regarding this issue.The CTU said the move would allow teachers and students to join protests related to labor rights and education funding.“What our students need…is teachers, labor unions and community groups standing together,” the union said in a statement, the Associated Press reported.
Across the United States, some labor groups plan to boycott work, shopping and schools on May 1. In states like North Carolina, unions have encouraged teachers to stay out of the classroom.
Parents face uncertainty about school plans
The lack of clarity has created logistical concerns for families, especially those who rely on school schedules for child care and academic planning.According to a district survey cited by the AP, at least 113 schools have scheduled activities for May 1.
These include field trips, sporting events, and work related to the Advanced Placement test. Another 100 schools organized events such as proms and graduation nights.In a memo to board members, King said the disruptions could impact key academic schedules.“The disruptions will directly impact academic testing and milestones for students,” she wrote, according to the Associated Press.Parents also raised concerns about the timing and purpose of the protests.Maryam Hafezi, a parent, told the AP that while civic awareness is important, such demonstrations should not replace classroom time.“It’s a teachable moment without them being out of school,” she said.
The mayor is treading carefully
This case also put Brandon Johnson in a difficult position.Johnson, who was elected with the support of the teachers union, supported the Labor Day demonstrations. However, it was not clearly stated whether schools should be closed.A spokesperson for the city’s mayor said the city will work with stakeholders to ensure the protests are “safe and meaningful,” according to the Associated Press.The debate comes amid broader tensions between the mayor’s office, the union and the school system, including leadership changes and contract negotiations.
The school board was divided before the decision
The matter may ultimately be decided by the school board, which is scheduled to meet April 23.Chicago is currently transitioning to a fully elected school board.
The current 21-member body includes elected and appointed members and has witnessed frequent disagreements.Board member Jennifer Custer opposed canceling classes.“Calls to keep students out of school are reckless,” she wrote on social media, according to the Associated Press.But Emma Lozano, an appointee and immigrant rights activist, supported participating in the protests.“We are not just being educated in classrooms,” she said, as quoted by the Associated Press.With no final decision yet, families, students and schools remain uncertain about whether classrooms will open on May 1.