Chicago’s Congressional Delegation Defends CPS’s Students, Educators, Parents Against Republican Attacks

Washington, DC -Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) led the members of Chicago's Congressional delegation, Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Sean Casten (IL-06), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), in a letter condemning the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans' persecution of diverse LGBTQI+, Black, and Brown students, educators, and parents from Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

The letter addressed to the Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Tim Walberg, responds to a congressional hearing in which CPS's leadership was subpoenaed to testify. The members characterized the hearing as part of a broader political attack on democratic-led strongholds.

"It is clear that the Republican Majority intends to continue its campaign of weaponizing oversight and federal education funding to target our diverse student bodies and attack the school districts and educators seeking to effectively meet their needs," wrote the delegation. "You are using June 10th's hearing to push legislation that censors our classrooms, puts children in danger, and prioritizes the whims of politicians in Washington over the expertise of local school leaders. Attacks on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are just another tactic in your broader attack on democratic-led strongholds and your anti -diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda."

In the letter, the members shared statistics demonstrating that intentional investments in CPS students are driving performance and educational progress. According to their data, CPS students in Grades K-2 are outperforming students in the peer districts.

"Let us be clear that attacks on diversity are attacks on the civil rights and liberties of our students to receive a quality public education. Schools are meant to be sanctuary spaces for our young people- including those of the LGBTQI+ community - to dream, grow, and realize their full potential. Parents, teachers, mentors, advocates, and neighbors across Chicago are working together every day to realize the safe, loving, and affirming school environments every child deserves," added the members.

To read the full letter, CLICK HERE.