Introduction to the Issue
As Chicago braces for immigration raids and the possibility of National Guard troops on the streets, the Chicago Teachers Union is urging Chicago Public Schools to be ready to offer online learning options for families who choose to keep their children at home for fear of being targeted.
The Union’s Call for Remote Learning
Union President Stacy Davis Gates said the district should have a plan to shift those students to online learning to minimize the impact of being outside of the classroom. But Gates wasn’t optimistic that the district would be able to achieve that. “CPS is not ready for that,” she said, though she noted CPS was in a better position to stand up remote learning than it was when the pandemic hit.
CPS Response to Remote Learning
CPS did not immediately respond to questions about whether the school district is working on a remote learning plan. When President Donald Trump’s immigration raids started last year, CPS officials refused to allow for remote learning, noting that prolonged online learning during the pandemic set students back academically.
Community and Teacher Response
Gates joined teachers and community members Wednesday at CTU headquarters on the Near West Side to outline how educators will respond to raids and possible troops in the city. Teachers will distribute know-your-rights flyers starting this week, stage walk-ins and organize teams to monitor the area around schools. “We plan to be a watchful presence at schools across the city,” said Linda Perales, a bilingual special education teacher who is currently working as an organizer for CTU.
Comparison to Other Districts
Gates noted that in Los Angeles — which saw increased federal raids and military presence earlier this summer — the school district was able to provide that option to families afraid to leave their homes because they had a framework in place. Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Alberto Carvalho told CNN that virtual enrollment increased by 7% this new school year after the summer raids. “Because they had the infrastructure for online learning they were able to direct young people to those spaces,” Davis Gates said.
Focus on Vulnerable Communities
Union members said their efforts to protect the community will be citywide but center on schools in Black and Latino neighborhoods, as those areas are most likely to be the focus of federal operations. Perales said those communities need to band together. “We won’t be scared. We will not be confused. We will be informed, and we will be empowered,” she said. “Black and Brown Chicago will stand together united and in solidarity because that is what is going to get us through this moment.”
Conclusion
The call for remote learning options by the Chicago Teachers Union highlights the need for schools to be prepared to support families who may be affected by immigration raids. By providing online learning options, schools can help minimize the impact of these events on students’ education. The union’s efforts to distribute know-your-rights flyers, stage walk-ins, and organize teams to monitor the area around schools demonstrate their commitment to protecting the community.
FAQs
Q: What is the Chicago Teachers Union calling for?
A: The Chicago Teachers Union is calling for Chicago Public Schools to offer online learning options for families who choose to keep their children at home due to fear of being targeted by immigration raids.
Q: Why is the union making this call?
A: The union is making this call because they believe that the district should have a plan in place to support families who may be affected by immigration raids and to minimize the impact on students’ education.
Q: Has CPS responded to the union’s call?
A: CPS did not immediately respond to questions about whether the school district is working on a remote learning plan.
Q: What is the union planning to do to support the community?
A: The union is planning to distribute know-your-rights flyers, stage walk-ins, and organize teams to monitor the area around schools.
Q: Which communities will the union’s efforts focus on?
A: The union’s efforts will be citywide but will center on schools in Black and Latino neighborhoods, as those areas are most likely to be the focus of federal operations.
