Chicago's school district is facing criticism for delaying the academic year start by a week, with detractors arguing that it's a politically motivated move to accommodate the Democratic National Convention. The decision has reignited the debate over school choice and the influence of teachers unions.
Chicago's decision to delay the start of the school year by a week to accommodate the Democratic National Convention has drawn ire from education experts, lawmakers, and advocates for school choice. The move has highlighted concerns about the growing power of teachers unions and the prioritization of political agendas over the needs of students.
The Chicago Public Schools district's reasoning for the delay was to allow students to "attend, volunteer, and participate in the civic process of hosting the convention." However, critics argue that this is a thinly veiled attempt to cater to the Democratic Party and its allies, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) union.
Chicago's School Delay for DNC Sparks Outrage, Fuels School Choice Advocacy
Doug Mayer, spokesman for the Public Labor Unions Accountability Committee, said the decision is "a clear example of what happens when the Public Sector Unions gain too much power."
"Instead of prioritizing students’ education, decisions are driven by political agendas," Mayer said. "This overreach harms our kids and underscores the dangers of allowing unions to dictate what’s best for our students."
Chicago's School Delay for DNC Sparks Outrage, Fuels School Choice Advocacy
Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz's claim that "Thanks to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we reopened our schools" has also been met with criticism. Mayer's group released a TV spot that labeled the Democratic ticket "champions" for the teachers unions’ agenda and "shutting kids out of school" during the pandemic.
Rep. Darin LaHood, an Illinois Republican, said the city and teachers unions are placing their political interests above students.
Chicago's School Delay for DNC Sparks Outrage, Fuels School Choice Advocacy
"The hypocrisy of Chicago politicians and the teachers unions to keep students out of class to appease their friends at the DNC is astounding," LaHood said.
The American Federation for Children's Corey DeAngelis criticized the district over the situation.
"Chicago Democrats, owned by the control freaks at the teachers unions, continue allowing kids to be denied an education. They always put politics before the needs of children and their families," said DeAngelis, who also works with the Cato Institute.
DeAngelis argued that the delayed calendar, coupled with suggestions that children be drawn into partisan politicking at the DNC, is why school choice is such an important issue.
"Parents should be able to take their children's education dollars to schools that actually care about them. Only then will the school system have an incentive to do the right thing and cater to the needs of families as opposed to the other way around," he said.
A source familiar with Chicago and its school system pointed out that the district currently faces a reported $500 million deficit. Critics have also claimed that teachers unions "govern" Chicago, as Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson was previously a local teachers union organizer.
DeAngelis condemned Chicago politicians writ large for allowing "power-hungry teachers unions" to "lock kids out of school for years starting in 2020."
"Now, they're prioritizing their friends at the DNC over the kids. They'll find any excuse to put kids last, and it's a disgrace," he said.
Mayor Johnson declined to comment for purposes of this story. Fox News Digital reached out to Weingarten, via the AFT, but did not receive a response. Representatives for Chicago Public Schools also did not respond to a request for comment.
