CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Teachers Union is being accused of violating school district policies by urging them to bring high school students to a midday get-out-the-vote event.
The conservative Illinois Policy Institute said it has filed an ethics complaint against the CTU, saying the teachers are likely violating a rule that bans them from engaging in political activities during work hours.
Friday's so-called day of political engagement is at the Union Center, with the union saying one of the the event's partners is "Bring Chicago Home," a group behind Mayor Johnson's controversial real estate transfer tax plan on next week's ballot.
“This is an unethical use of taxpayer resources and inappropriate indoctrination of high school students. Our team is exploring legal challenges,” said Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson should denounce it in the strongest terms.”
The Chicago Teacher's Union responded on X, saying candidates from both parties have been invited to the event. The union also pointed out that educators, especially civics and government teachers, have an obligation to provide students with an understanding of the democratic process and opportunities to participate in it.
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