The Chicago Teachers Union asked the school board on Mar. 19 to allow students to miss school on May 1, when the union and other local labor groups plan to join a national pro-labor protest against the Trump administration’s policies.
The request is part of a broader movement for a national day of “no school, no work, no shopping,” which aims to advocate for higher taxes on wealthy individuals, limit immigration enforcement, and increase funding for schools. The union said both students and educators should be able to participate in this action. CTU leaders referenced a state law that permits middle and high school students one excused absence each year for civic engagement.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who previously worked for the CTU and is considered an ally, has voiced support for allowing students to miss class on May 1, according to reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times. At the monthly meeting of the school board, Jackson Potter, vice president of the CTU, urged members to approve the union’s request. Potter pointed out that their contract allows teachers to swap one existing professional development day for another non-attendance day.
School board members did not respond directly to the union’s proposal during Thursday’s meeting but could consider it at meetings scheduled in April. If approved, a day off on May 1 would follow spring break in March and three additional non-attendance days already planned in March and April, including an upcoming parent-teacher conference day.
Potter said more than 500 district students participated in last year’s May 1 march.
The decision by the board could affect how many students are able to participate in civic actions moving forward.
