Trump has a new headache to deal with.
A major teachers union in Chicago is pushing a controversial plan that could shut down classrooms for a day — and the proposal is quickly becoming part of a broader political debate involving education policy, labor activism, and criticism of President Donald Trump.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) recently approved a resolution encouraging teachers and students to participate in activities connected to May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, an annual event tied to labor activism and workers’ rights demonstrations around the world.
Under the proposal, May 1 would be designated as a day of “Civic Action and Defense of Public Education.” Union leaders are asking Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Board of Education to support the initiative.
If approved, the move could lead to a day where many teachers and students skip normal classroom instruction in favor of community activism and civic engagement events.
Teachers Union Directly Criticizes Trump and MAGA Supporters
Union leaders framed the resolution as a response to what they believe are national threats to public education.
CTU Vice President Jackson Potter strongly criticized supporters of President Donald Trump, arguing that political leaders in Washington are undermining public schools and labor protections.
In a public statement, Potter suggested that Americans must mobilize to defend democratic institutions, public education, and workers’ rights ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The resolution itself claims that public schools are facing what it describes as an “unprecedented national assault” driven by MAGA-aligned politicians, wealthy donors, and corporate interests.
According to the union, these forces are attempting to:
- Expand school privatization
- Restrict classroom discussions and curriculum
- Limit union influence
- Reduce federal civil rights protections
- Change immigration enforcement policies impacting families
Critics of the resolution, however, argue that turning a school day into a political activism event raises serious concerns about politicizing public education.
Resolution Includes Immigration and Tax Policy Demands
The teachers union’s resolution also touches on several national policy debates beyond education.
Among the positions outlined in the proposal are calls to:
- Keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of cities
- Support policies that would increase taxes on wealthy Americans
- Strengthen protections for labor unions
Union leaders also voiced solidarity with political activism efforts taking place in Minnesota and other states.
These broader political demands have drawn attention from critics who say public schools should remain focused on academic instruction rather than activism.
“No Work, No School, No Shopping” Call for May Day
The proposal encourages widespread participation in May Day events through a coordinated effort that organizers describe as “No Work, No School, and No Shopping.”
Instead of attending regular classes or work, supporters are encouraged to spend the day participating in community activities such as:
- Civic education programs
- Voter registration drives
- Legal rights workshops
- Community organizing
- Activism training sessions
Union leaders argue these activities provide valuable lessons about democracy and civic participation.
Potter suggested that students could still receive an excused absence if they participate in what the union considers a “civic event.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson Responds
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who previously worked as an organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, acknowledged that May Day has long been viewed as a symbol of worker solidarity and collective action.
However, Johnson emphasized that families would ultimately decide whether their children participate in the activities.
“Ultimately, it is up to each individual family to decide how and if they participate in any civic action,” Johnson said.
He added that city leaders will work with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials to ensure any decisions avoid disrupting classroom learning.
“As Mayor, I will work with our partners at CPS and in our school communities to find solutions which ensure there is no loss of instruction time,” Johnson said.
Education Debate Continues Nationwide
The controversy highlights a growing national debate over the role of politics inside America’s public schools.
Supporters of President Trump and many conservative education advocates argue that schools should prioritize reading, math, science, and career preparation rather than political activism.
Meanwhile, teachers unions and progressive activists say civic engagement is an important part of education and preparing students to participate in democracy.
Whether Chicago ultimately approves the proposed May Day action remains unclear, but the issue has already sparked a heated discussion about education policy, labor activism, and the influence of politics inside American classrooms.