Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates made controversial claims during an interview with a news radio host, stating that conservatives do not want Black children to read. Gates mentioned that this sentiment is part of the conservative ideology. The interview, conducted by WBBM News radio’s political editor Craig Dellimore, focused on the union’s contract demands, which include social justice issues.
Some conservative critics have argued that the union’s contract proposals are too extensive and not directly related to education. Gates defended the demands by highlighting the importance of educating immigrant children, Black children, and children living in poverty. She expressed skepticism towards conservative views on education and their stance on marginalized communities.
The ongoing negotiations between the teachers’ union and the public school system involve significant funding requests, including an additional $50 billion to cover various needs such as wage increases and additional services. Despite the substantial financial requests, student performance remains a concern, with only 21% of eighth graders in the city demonstrating proficiency in reading.
In response to Gates’ claims, Terry Schilling, the president of the American Principles Project, emphasized the importance of literacy for all children, regardless of their background. Schilling, a father of seven, shared his decision to withdraw his children from public schools due to concerns about academic quality. He noted that even in well-funded school districts like Fairfax County, student literacy rates were subpar.
Gates’ decision to enroll her son in a private Catholic high school raised questions about her commitment to public education, especially considering her leadership role in the teachers’ union. Schilling criticized union leaders for not sending their children to public schools, highlighting a perceived hypocrisy within the education leadership.
The discussion around education in Chicago also touched on teacher absenteeism, with data showing that 43% of the district’s teachers are chronically absent, missing more than 10 days of school per year. Schilling pointed out the detrimental impact of teacher absences on student outcomes and questioned the district’s efforts to address this issue.
Overall, the interview with Gates shed light on the complexities of education policy, funding, and leadership in Chicago’s public schools. The debate surrounding conservative views on education, union demands, and student performance underscores the challenges and opportunities facing the education system in the city. As stakeholders continue to navigate these issues, a focus on student success and equitable access to quality education remains paramount.
