CPS parents threaten legal action as confusion abounds over May Day plans

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Confusion over May Day remains among some Chicago Public Schools parents. Some are threatening legal action if they don't get more from clarity from CPS or the school board.

It's called the Memorandum of Understanding: It's the May 1 deal worked out between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. Schools remain open on May Day, but teachers and students are allowed to participate in the May Day pro-workers rights rally.

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It's an agreement one group of parents says should have included them.

"They did this without the consent or the input of the parents. This is not only wrong, it is irresponsible or perhaps illegal," CPS parent Judy Velez said.

Parents, backed by the business-funded group Urban Center, have hired attorney Bill Quinlan, the same lawyer who represented for CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. They are threatening legal action if they don't get more clarity on exactly what will happen on May 1.

"Children can make the choice with their parents to take an absence for civic action. Again, those are choices that parents make with respect to their children, and I don't think anyone's disputing that. The question is when those choices get made for them, right? And what choice is it?" Quinlan said.

For teachers and students not participating in the May Day rally at Union Park, CTU and Mayor Brandon Johnson are calling for civic engagement activities in school.

"I'm asking all residents of Chicago to use May 1 as an opportunity to elevate the consciousness of our civic responsibility," Johnson said.

"We have developed curriculum for our students all the way from pre-K through high school," CPS teacher and CTU Board member Sylvelia Pittman said.

But, some parents are questioning what kind of civic curriculum will be taught

"We are here to demand an end to the political indoctrination of our children at the hands of CTU and CPS," Velez said.

In an updated statement Monday, CPS made it clear May 1 is a full day of instruction.

It reads in part, "School participation in any civic engagement activities is at the discretion of the school principal and individual student or staff participation is entirely voluntary."

The Chicago School Board holds its monthly meeting on Thursday.

May 1 is likely to be a hot topic during the public comment section. As of now, there is no plan on the agenda for the Board to address it.