Chicago’s largest teachers’ union sparked outrage by officially honoring a convicted cop killer, igniting national debate over the role of radical ideology in American education.
Story Snapshot
- The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) publicly praised Assata Shakur, a convicted murderer and fugitive, following her reported death in Cuba.
- The CTU’s tribute drew swift condemnation from elected officials, law enforcement advocates, and education leaders, who called the move “shameful.”
- This controversy exposes deep divisions over activism, accountability, and the values promoted in public schools.
- The backlash spotlights ongoing concerns about politicization and radical agendas within major teachers’ unions.
CTU’s Tribute to a Convicted Cop Killer Draws National Backlash
On September 26, 2025, just one day after Cuban officials announced the death of Assata Shakur in Havana, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) posted a public tribute on its official social media account. Shakur, convicted in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, had been a fugitive since her 1979 prison escape and lived in Cuba for decades. The CTU’s post described her as a “revolutionary” and an “elder of Black liberation,” praising her writings and calling on followers to continue her “struggle for freedom.” The immediate reaction was swift and severe, with public officials and education advocates condemning the union’s decision to publicly honor a convicted murderer.
Many critics, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and prominent education advocate Corey DeAngelis, labeled the CTU’s tribute as “shameful” and “depraved.” Governor Murphy emphasized the gravity of Shakur’s conviction, stating that honoring a fugitive who killed a law enforcement officer is unacceptable, especially for an organization representing educators. DeAngelis went further, urging teachers to reconsider their CTU membership, warning that the union’s leadership is alienating reasonable members and straying from the core mission of education. Their statements reflect widespread concern about the ideological direction of the CTU, a union already known for its history of controversial political activism.
Background: Shakur’s Legacy and the CTU’s History of Activism
Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron, was a member of the Black Liberation Army—a militant group active in the 1970s. Her 1977 conviction for Trooper Foerster’s murder, and her subsequent escape and flight to Cuba, made her a polarizing figure: a symbol of revolutionary struggle for some activists, but a wanted cop killer and fugitive for law enforcement and victims’ families. The CTU’s leadership has repeatedly aligned itself with progressive and radical causes, from opposing federal immigration enforcement to boycotting major retailers over diversity disputes. This context makes the union’s decision to honor Shakur especially inflammatory for those who see it as evidence of a broader pattern of prioritizing political activism over educational excellence or public accountability.
The CTU’s tribute is not an isolated event. The union has previously issued controversial statements and taken public stances that have drawn criticism from both local and national figures. By choosing to celebrate a figure convicted of murdering a police officer, the CTU has reignited debates about the appropriate boundaries of activism in public education, the values being imparted to students, and the responsibilities of organizations entrusted with shaping young minds. Law enforcement families, in particular, view the tribute as a deeply offensive act that disregards the sacrifice of those who serve.
Escalating Fallout and Ongoing Debate
Since the tribute, the CTU has faced growing scrutiny. As of September 29, 2025, union leadership has not issued a follow-up statement or responded to mounting media inquiries. The controversy has only intensified, with city officials, national commentators, and parents demanding answers and accountability. Several Chicago aldermen have announced plans to publicly denounce the CTU’s actions, further fueling public debate. Supporters of Shakur, including activist groups and figures such as Nina Turner, have continued to emphasize her revolutionary legacy, but critics remain steadfast in their opposition, arguing that the union’s public stance is an affront to law enforcement, public safety, and the principles of justice.
Short-term, the CTU faces immediate reputational risks, heightened scrutiny, and a potential loss of members. Long-term, this episode could impact union cohesion, influence future advocacy, and shape the broader public debate over the role of teachers’ unions in political activism. The incident also serves as a warning for other educators’ unions nationwide: aligning official messaging with radical or divisive figures can trigger significant backlash and erode public trust. For conservatives and parents concerned about the politicization of public education, the CTU’s tribute is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and a renewed focus on the values that underpin American schools, including respect for the rule of law and those who protect it.
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Teachers Union Blasted For Honoring Assata Shakur, Convicted Cop Killer, Following Her Death In Cuba
