CTU Blasts Trump's Special Education Layoffs, Demands State Action to Protect Students

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has spoken out against the Trump administration's decision to slash staff funding and compliance for special education students across the country. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates has criticized the move, stating that it will hurt students in special education, Black student success, and all students across the state. The union is calling on the mayor, governor, and Illinois General Assembly to create a plan to protect students and guarantee legally required support.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration is cutting staff funding and compliance for special education students, which will disproportionately affect students with disabilities.
• The Chicago Teachers Union is demanding a plan from the governor and Illinois General Assembly to protect students and guarantee legally required support.
• The union is criticizing the move as a continuation of Trump's attacks on public education.
• CTU members have already reported violations to legally required special education provisions due to Illinois' owing their school district $1.6B.
• Testimonies from CTU members are available online.

The CTU represents over 30,000 teachers and educational support personnel working in Chicago Public Schools, serving over 300,000 students and families.

Statistics:

• Over $1.6B is owed to the Chicago Public Schools by the state of Illinois.
• Over 30,000 teachers and educational support personnel are represented by the CTU.
• Over 300,000 students and families are served by the CTU.
• The CTU is the third-largest teachers local in the United States.

Sources:

• Chicago Teachers Union (CTU)
• American Federation of Teachers
• Illinois Federation of Teachers
• CTU website: www.ctulocal1.org