CTU Faces Ethics Complaint for Organizing Student Vote on $100M Tax Hike for March 19

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is under scrutiny for planning to take Chicago Public Schools students out of class on March 15 to vote for Mayor Brandon Johnson's $100 million real estate transfer tax hike, with the election set for March 19. The union, in partnership with @BringChiHome, a political organization, has faced criticism for using students in its political organizing efforts. An ethics complaint has been filed by @illinoispolicy against the CTU's actions, alleging a violation of Chicago Public Schools policies which prohibit students from attending political events during school hours. The complaint highlights concerns over the CTU's use of school resources for political activities, including busing 18-year-old CPS students to the polls. Chicago Public Schools has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of civic engagement while ensuring compliance with district policies and procedures. The CTU has also become the third-largest funder of the tax increase referendum, contributing $400,000.