According to the CPS Code of Ethics, CPS employees are prohibited from engaging on behalf of political campaigns during work hours while they’re being paid with taxpayer funds.
CHICAGO (March 11, 2024) – The Illinois Policy Institute today filed complaints with the Chicago Public Schools inspector general and the Chicago Public Schools ethics advisor regarding a Chicago Teachers Union-sponsored “day of political engagement” that is likely in violation of school district rules.
The Chicago Teachers Union announced the Friday, March 15 event in an email to members. CTU Vice President Jackson Potter wrote that the union is partnering with pro-tax hike advocacy group Bring Chicago Home to take Chicago Public Schools students out of class to attend a pro-tax-hike “Student Power Forum” and “Parade to the Polls.”
According to the CPS Code of Ethics, CPS employees are prohibited from engaging on behalf of political campaigns during work hours while they’re being paid with taxpayer funds.
“This is an unethical use of taxpayer resources and inappropriate indoctrination of high school students. Our team is exploring legal challenges,” said Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute. “Mayor Brandon Johnson should denounce it in the strongest terms.”
CTU has given at least $200,000 to the Bring Home Chicago campaign, while also requesting funds for teacher housing subsidies in their next contract.
To read the ethics complaint, visit illin.is/ethics.
To read more about the student day of politics, visit illin.is/CTUpolitics.
For interviews or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.