Criticism has been directed at Chicago’s school district for delaying the start of the academic year by a week, with detractors accusing the move of being politically motivated. Students were originally scheduled to return to school on Monday, according to the School Year 2025 calendar published by the district. The delay was justified by the district as allowing students time to attend, volunteer, and participate in the civic process surrounding the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which was expected to draw an estimated 75,000 visitors to the city. Critics argue that decisions like these, influenced by political agendas, harm students by prioritizing unions over education.
The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), was a featured keynote speaker during a DNC Climate Council panel. Doug Mayer, spokesperson for the Public Labor Unions Accountability Committee, criticized the district’s decision to delay the school year for the DNC as an example of unions exerting too much power over educational decisions. Critics further highlighted claims made at the DNC, such as House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn’s assertion that the reopening of schools was thanks to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Republicans like Rep. Darin LaHood accused Chicago politicians and teachers unions of prioritizing their political interests over the needs of students.
Corey DeAngelis of the American Federation for Children focused on school choice and education issues, criticized Chicago’s district for putting politics before the needs of children. DeAngelis argued that the delayed school year calendar and suggestions of involving children in partisan politics at the DNC underscore the importance of school choice, allowing parents to choose schools that cater to their children’s needs. A source familiar with Chicago’s education system pointed out the district’s $500 million deficit and claims that teachers unions have a significant influence over governance, with Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson previously being a local teachers union organizer.
Critics condemned Chicago politicians for allowing teachers unions to exert power over educational decisions, accusing them of prioritizing the DNC over the needs of students. The focus on unions and political interests at the expense of students’ education has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers, with calls for more school choice programs as a solution to the issues in Chicago’s education system. DeAngelis emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of families and children in education, rather than political agendas. Despite attempts to reach out for comments, representatives for Chicago Public Schools and Randi Weingarten did not respond, leaving the controversy surrounding the delayed school year unresolved.
