The Chicago Teachers Union posted a social media memorial tribute to Assata Shakur, a convicted cop killer who fled to Cuba and was wanted as a terrorist. It drew sharp condemnation from Chicago aldermen and multiple governors.
The Chicago Teachers Union honored a convicted murder and wanted terrorist on social media following her death, drawing sharp condemnation from Chicago aldermen and governors from multiple states.
What did the Chicago Teachers Union do?
The Chicago Teachers Union posted on social media honoring the memory of Assata Shakur, a former Black Liberation Army member convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. CTU’s post quickly drew angry responses from across the nation.
CTU’s post read in part: “Rest in Power, Rest in Peace, Assata Shakur… Today we honor the life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom whose spirit continues to live in our struggle.”
Who was Assata Shakur?
- Shakur was a leader in the Black Liberation Army, which advocated armed resistance against police and the U.S. government.
- She was convicted of murdering New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was shot in 1973.
- She escaped prison in 1979, fled to Cuba and lived in exile.
- In 2013, the FBI placed her on the Most Wanted Terrorists list, offering a $2 million reward.
How did Chicago leaders respond?
Several Chicago aldermen condemned CTU’s tribute:
- Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd: “Eulogizing and celebrating a bank-robbing cop-killer… I remember a time when the union was focused on fairness at the bargaining table. That’s the job.”
- Ald. Silvana Tabares, 23rd: Called the post “abhorrent, grotesque, and shameful.”
- Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th: Asked, “What message does this send to CPS students whose parents are first responders?”
- Debra Silverstein, 50th
- Anthony Beale, 9th
- Raymond Lopez, 15th
- Anthony Napolitano, 41st
- Brian Hopkins, 2nd
- Samantha Nugent, 39th
- Nick Sposato, 38th
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis denounced the CTU’s statement.
Why does this matter for Chicago families?
CTU represents teachers in the nation’s third-largest school district, where only 30% of students read at grade level and just 18% meet math standards. Instead of addressing the academic crisis, CTU leadership chose to glorify a convicted fugitive and wanted terrorist.
