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The Chicago Teachers Union recently faced backlash after commemorating the death of a convicted murderer who appeared on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. The announcement occurred in a post shared on social media.
In their post, the union expressed, “Rest in Power, Rest in Peace, Assata Shakur. Today we honor the life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom whose spirit continues to live in our struggle.”
The statement continued, quoting Shakur, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” This reference intended to highlight Shakur’s commitment to advocacy and resistance.
Cuban officials confirmed that Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron and also known as Joanne Chesimard, passed away in Havana. She had sought refuge in Cuba after escaping from prison and had been living there for decades.
Shakur gained notoriety in 1977 when she was convicted of the murder of State Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout in 1973 on the New Jersey Turnpike. Foerster tragically left behind a wife and a three-year-old son. After her escape in 1979, she became a fugitive before resurfacing in Cuba in 1984.
The FBI, alongside the New Jersey attorney general’s office, had offered a reward of one million dollars for her capture, a measure indicative of the severity of her crimes.
Responses to the CTU’s tribute were swift, particularly from critics. Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project and visiting fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, labeled the tribute as alarming.
He commented, “It’s almost like the Chicago Teachers Union is trying to alienate reasonable members and win an award for the most unhinged organization on Earth. This post should be a wake-up call to Chicago teachers who don’t feel like their values are accurately represented by the union.”
DeAngelis further criticized the CTU, stating, “It’s beyond parody. The Chicago Teachers Union, which is supposed to be responsible for educating kids, is honoring a convicted murderer using its official social media account.” His remarks reflect a broader concern regarding the union’s approach and messaging.
The Chicago Teachers Union is no stranger to controversy. The organization has previously issued strong public statements and taken stances on various contentious issues. For example, it opposed the heightened activity of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and was critical of the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities.
More recently, the CTU participated in a boycott against the retailer Target, accusing the company of retracting its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while labeling it complicit with white supremacy.
The CTU declared, “As President Davis Gates reminds us: this retreat by Target sends a dangerous signal to those who seek to erase the dignity and safety of our students, families, and classrooms.” This sentiment illustrates the union’s commitment to advocating for social justice issues, though not without eliciting critique.
In June, during a speech at the City Club of Chicago, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates claimed, “the union thinks your children are its children.” This statement has raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny over the union’s perspective on parental involvement in education.
DeAngelis urged educators who prioritize their teaching responsibilities to dissociate from union leadership, recommending they cease contributing their salary dues to unions perceived as misaligned with their values. He stated, “Rational educators who just want to do their job should stop giving union bosses like Stacy Davis Gates their hard-earned paychecks by opting out.” This call to action reflects a growing frustration among some teachers regarding the CTU’s current direction.
As the CTU continues to navigate its position in the educational landscape, it raises questions about the role of unions in advocating for political and social issues versus their primary responsibility of promoting education. The tension between these objectives highlights a larger debate in today’s educational environment.
On Saturday, Fox News Digital sought comment from the CTU regarding the backlash but did not receive an immediate response.
In reflecting on the situation, it remains evident that the tribute to Shakur has ignited significant discussion about the implications of unions aligning with controversial figures and the broader responsibilities educators have in shaping student experiences in their classrooms.
Fox News Digital’s Stephen Sorace and Andrew Murray contributed to this report.
