CTU holds 'walk-ins' amid concerns over President Trump's policies

Stephanie Wade Image
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
CTU holds 'walk-ins' as part of day of action
The Chicago Teachers Union held "walk-ins" at several schools.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Teachers Union held "walk-ins" at several schools Tuesday morning.

Teachers and families demonstrated Tuesday in the wake of new immigration policies sweeping the nation.

At more than 100 Chicago public schools Tuesday morning, teachers staging a walk-in, part of a national day of action.

"We are here today to defend our students," CTU CP Jackson Potter said. "Is that right? Yes! We are unafraid, we value them, we know they're coming every day and they're under attack by the administration and the White House and we are going to protect and defend their interests."

This comes amid heightened fears over the Trump administration's immigration policies and its impact on students and families.

"Everybody's important and right now I need people to know that we are here and we are a community and that we care about them," parent Leeann Searight said.

Eighth grade social studies teacher Francisco Alvarez says it's devastating. Some of his students are so fearful, they're not showing up to school.

SEE ALSO: Chicago's first hybrid elected school board meeting focuses on ICE, student safety

"There's definitely that feeling of uncertainty, especially with our contracts and everything that we stand for protecting our students," 8th grade Peirce Elementary School social studies teacher Francisco Alvarez said. "We also have a sanctuary team here set up just in case ICE comes, so it's a scary time, but we have to be brave in the time of adversity."

"It's terrifying," parent and healthcare provider Jackie McSearron said. "Our patients are scared to come in and get the care they so desperately need and their kids aren't coming to school, which is what they need. So it's really scary and really sad and we're just here to support."

The Chicago Teachers Union, still in contract negotiations with CPS, calling for more staffing, more investment in neighborhood classrooms and more protections for immigrant students.

Their movement was supported by Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth Tuesday.

"We're here for them," Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth said. "We are here to say that we see you, we are a sanctuary school, we are a sanctuary neighborhood and a sanctuary city and we're going to continue to do that and fight for our students because we know that's right."

CPS has taken steps to protect students' rights and safety Including training staff and families, the district says.

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