The Chicago Teachers Union’s public tribute to a convicted cop killer has reignited outrage among Americans who value law, order, and accountability in our education system.
Story Highlights
- The Chicago Teachers Union officially honored Assata Shakur, a convicted cop killer and fugitive, after her reported death in Cuba.
- The union’s tribute triggered immediate backlash from political leaders, education advocates, and law enforcement supporters.
- Critics argue the CTU’s actions undermine public trust and highlight a troubling trend of radical activism in public education.
- The incident has sparked renewed debate over the role of teachers’ unions and the influence of progressive ideologies in schools.
CTU Tribute Sparks Outrage Over Honoring Convicted Cop Killer
On September 26, 2025, the Chicago Teachers Union used its official social media account to honor Assata Shakur, a convicted murderer and fugitive, following confirmation of her death in Cuba. The post described Shakur as a “revolutionary” and an “elder of Black liberation,” quoting her writings and urging continued struggle for freedom. This move drew immediate condemnation from law enforcement supporters, political leaders, and many in the public, who view honoring a convicted cop killer as an affront to justice and the memory of fallen officers.
The timing of the CTU’s post—less than 24 hours after Cuban officials announced Shakur’s death—amplified public reaction. The union’s decision to publicly praise such a controversial figure from its official account, representing thousands of Chicago educators, instantly fueled a firestorm. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called the tribute “shameful and depraved,” while education advocate Corey DeAngelis urged teachers to reconsider their association with the union, underscoring how the CTU’s leadership has repeatedly aligned itself with radical causes instead of focusing on educational excellence and student outcomes.
Background: Who Was Assata Shakur and Why Is This a Flashpoint?
Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron, was convicted in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a 1973 shootout. After escaping prison in 1979, Shakur fled to Cuba, where she lived as a fugitive for decades. To some activists, she became a symbol of resistance against perceived state oppression, but for many Americans, she remains a convicted murderer whose actions devastated a family and community. The CTU’s decision to celebrate her legacy, rather than focus on her crimes, has reignited longstanding concerns about the politicization of public education and the influence of radical ideologies on children and families.
Chicago’s teachers’ union has a history of making controversial statements and taking stances aligned with left-wing activism, including boycotts over diversity issues and opposition to federal immigration enforcement. Their willingness to honor a convicted killer is seen by critics as the latest example of misplaced priorities and disregard for the values of law-abiding citizens, parents, and students who expect educators to model integrity and respect for the law.
Backlash and Calls for Accountability in Education
The CTU’s tribute to Shakur has had immediate consequences. Lawmakers, public officials, and advocacy groups have condemned the union’s action, warning it risks further eroding public trust in Chicago’s education system and teachers’ unions nationwide. Corey DeAngelis, a leading voice in education reform, called the move “alienating to reasonable members” and urged educators to reconsider their union membership. Governor Murphy’s strong rebuke emphasized the gravity of Shakur’s conviction and the profound disrespect felt by law enforcement families. The union, as of September 29, 2025, has yet to issue a follow-up statement or respond to media inquiries, leaving many to question its leadership and motives.
This backlash comes as parents and communities nationwide push back against the rising tide of leftist activism in schools. Many conservative Americans see the CTU’s tribute as not just a local incident but part of a broader pattern of unions promoting ideologies that undermine respect for law, traditional values, and the foundational principles that make America strong. The controversy is fueling calls for greater accountability in public education—a demand that union priorities reflect core American values, not radical activism.
Long-Term Implications: The Fight for Accountability and American Values
The fallout from the CTU’s tribute is likely to have lasting effects on both the union and the national debate over the future of public education. In the short term, the union faces reputational damage and intensified scrutiny of its leadership. In the long term, the episode may accelerate efforts to reform or limit the influence of teachers’ unions, as more Americans demand that schools return to teaching knowledge and civic responsibility, not promoting controversial figures or divisive political agendas. The incident has already sparked renewed debate about the proper role of educators, the need for public accountability, and the protection of conservative values in America’s classrooms.
Chicago Teachers Union Honors Convicted Cop Killer Assata Shakur Draws Conservative Outrage https://t.co/gpL8DxIyJt
— William J. Rocha (@WilliamJRocha) September 28, 2025
As the controversy continues, it remains clear that many Americans are no longer willing to tolerate unions or public officials who undermine law, order, and the foundational values of our nation. The CTU’s actions serve as a wake-up call: parents, taxpayers, and lawmakers must stay vigilant to ensure that our schools uphold—not erode—the principles that unite and define our country.
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Teachers union blasted for honoring Assata Shakur, convicted cop killer, after her death in Cuba
