Chicago's CPS in Talks with Union Over Remote Learning Options Amidst Immigration Enforcement Fears
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is pushing for negotiations with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) over teaching conditions, including options for remote learning, as authorities prepare to ramp up enforcement in the city. The move comes amid growing concerns about student safety and the potential trauma caused by immigration officials' aggressive tactics.
"We have to adapt to this new terrain, which is cruel and traumatic, and that means all our systems need to improve," said Jackson Potter, vice-president of the CTU. "Whether they're ready or not, here we come."
The union wants to negotiate with CPS over options for remote learning as a way to safeguard students and their families from being targeted by immigration officials at school entrances or exits.
Potter emphasized that having clear guidance on how teachers can support students in need is essential. "There's too much bureaucracy where directors can't do that," he said, adding, "That's not going to be sufficient for our conditions."
This push for remote learning is part of a broader movement by the CTU, as schools nationwide struggle with the impact of immigration enforcement operations on student attendance.
While some Chicago Public Schools officials say they lack the authority to implement online teaching without state-level approval, they are exploring alternative strategies. The school district has collaborated with local government and other stakeholders to offer support for students who fear coming to or leaving school due to immigration-related apprehensions.
The CTU's proposal is seen as a response to recent incidents in which students were detained at their schools. One such incident occurred just days before the union meeting where Potter delivered his speech, when an individual was arrested near Chase Elementary School on one of the district's busiest streets, leaving some parents feeling too afraid to send their children back to school.
The proposal is a nod to other districts in the Minneapolis area that have temporarily shifted to online teaching in response to similar enforcement concerns. While there are valid worries about the quality of remote learning, especially for students who require additional support, such as those learning English or those with disabilities, many educators see it as an essential step toward providing support to vulnerable families.
"We've been walking our children to and from school every day since these operations began," said Caty Bautista, a parent whose two children attend Chase Elementary. "It's just not enough."
Parents in the communities represented by state Rep. Lilian Jiménez have expressed similar fears about being detained while their children walk or ride home from school.
"It's chaotic for families; it's chaotic for kids to not have a plan B," she said, her voice filled with concern.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is pushing for negotiations with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) over teaching conditions, including options for remote learning, as authorities prepare to ramp up enforcement in the city. The move comes amid growing concerns about student safety and the potential trauma caused by immigration officials' aggressive tactics.
"We have to adapt to this new terrain, which is cruel and traumatic, and that means all our systems need to improve," said Jackson Potter, vice-president of the CTU. "Whether they're ready or not, here we come."
The union wants to negotiate with CPS over options for remote learning as a way to safeguard students and their families from being targeted by immigration officials at school entrances or exits.
Potter emphasized that having clear guidance on how teachers can support students in need is essential. "There's too much bureaucracy where directors can't do that," he said, adding, "That's not going to be sufficient for our conditions."
This push for remote learning is part of a broader movement by the CTU, as schools nationwide struggle with the impact of immigration enforcement operations on student attendance.
While some Chicago Public Schools officials say they lack the authority to implement online teaching without state-level approval, they are exploring alternative strategies. The school district has collaborated with local government and other stakeholders to offer support for students who fear coming to or leaving school due to immigration-related apprehensions.
The CTU's proposal is seen as a response to recent incidents in which students were detained at their schools. One such incident occurred just days before the union meeting where Potter delivered his speech, when an individual was arrested near Chase Elementary School on one of the district's busiest streets, leaving some parents feeling too afraid to send their children back to school.
The proposal is a nod to other districts in the Minneapolis area that have temporarily shifted to online teaching in response to similar enforcement concerns. While there are valid worries about the quality of remote learning, especially for students who require additional support, such as those learning English or those with disabilities, many educators see it as an essential step toward providing support to vulnerable families.
"We've been walking our children to and from school every day since these operations began," said Caty Bautista, a parent whose two children attend Chase Elementary. "It's just not enough."
Parents in the communities represented by state Rep. Lilian Jiménez have expressed similar fears about being detained while their children walk or ride home from school.
"It's chaotic for families; it's chaotic for kids to not have a plan B," she said, her voice filled with concern.
. The CTU thinks remote learning will solve everything? Please, that's just a temporary Band-Aid on a bullet wound 
. What about the actual trauma these kids are experiencing? The constant fear of being deported or arrested at school? That's not something you can just 'adapt to' with some fancy online classes 
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. And don't even get me started on the quality of remote learning - it's not gonna be good for kids who need extra help or accommodations 
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, you know? They're already dealing with the stress of learning, and then to add immigration enforcement on top of that is just insane 
. I think it's amazing that the CTU is pushing for remote learning options - it's like, a no-brainer! 
Their idea is actually really practical, especially when you consider all the times parents are too scared to send their kids to school because they might get detained... 
. remote learning could be a good solution but we need clear guidelines for teachers on how to support students who are going through trauma because of these enforcement operations 
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. but at the same time, we should be thinking about how to make remote learning better for students who need extra support, like those learning english or with disabilities 
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. it's not that hard to provide guidance on how to keep these kids safe 
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. We should be working together to make our schools safe for everyone, not just focusing on enforcement 
.
. The fact that teachers can't even support students who are being targeted by immigration officials at school without clear guidance is just unacceptable 
. It's not just about giving students a plan B, it's about providing them with a safe and stable environment that doesn't involve fear of being detained or deported 
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. We need to come together to support our educators and students who are being affected by these policies 
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... but seriously, this stuff is getting crazy. Like back in the day, teachers used to know their students by name, not just names on a list 
. Nowadays, it feels like they're all worried about being caught by ICE, and that's not right.
... I mean, can't we just have some basic guidelines so teachers know how to support their students? It's not rocket science, folks 
. Just because there are some areas with strict immigration laws doesn't mean kids in other areas should suffer.
remote learning might not be perfect, but it's better than nothing and can give families some peace of mind. also, who says CPS officials don't have the authority to start online classes already? it sounds like there's just a lot of bureaucracy getting in the way... anyway, gotta support the union on this one! 
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What do you think, is this something that should happen?