Chicago teachers and students are expected to participate in May Day rallies across the city, joining a nationwide movement calling for economic and social justice. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has organized pre-rally events, including a gathering at Rainbow PUSH headquarters, where students learned about voting, civil rights, and advocacy. The main rally will begin at Union Park at 1 p.m., followed by a march to Daley Plaza downtown at 2 p.m. The route will go along Washington, Racine, Jackson, Halsted, and back to Washington.
Core Facts and Developments
Student and Teacher Participation: Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and teachers, with permission, are participating in May Day rallies. The CTU and Mayor Brandon Johnson have encouraged civic engagement, though CPS CEO Macquline King clarified it is not a requirement for students.
Nationwide Protests: The "workers over billionaires" May Day boycott calls for skipping school, work, and shopping to demand taxing the rich and ending immigration crackdowns. The CTU has framed participation as an opportunity for students to learn about civic engagement.
Deeper Dive and Context
Organizational Efforts
The CTU has been actively organizing student participation in the protests. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping their communities and schools. Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke at the rally, encouraging students to be part of the next generation of leaders.
Curriculum and Advocacy
In early April, the CTU and the National Education Association held an online seminar focused on developing curriculum centered on social justice themes ahead of May Day activities. Chicago history teacher Dave Stiebers noted that May Day could serve as a "dress rehearsal" for future protests against potential policies.
District Response
CPS declined to suspend classes for participation in the political rallies but later reached an agreement with the CTU to provide food and transportation for students attending the events. The district has allowed teachers and students with permission to participate in the rallies.
Nationwide Context
Across the United States, an estimated 600 groups are supporting about 6,000 events as part of coordinated “May Day Strong” demonstrations. Large turnouts are expected in other major cities, including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles.
Demands and Slogans
The protests are organized under the slogan “no school, no work, no shopping.” Demands include taxing the rich and ending the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The CTU has also emphasized the need for public schools to provide students a “quality education” and stand up for what they believe.