A two-day conference convened at the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters, bringing together socialist, anti-war, and pro-Palestinian activists. The gathering has drawn criticism from education advocates who argue its focus lies outside the classroom.
The event featured workshops on protest and media tactics, port worker outreach, tracking weapons shipments, fundraising, and coalition building. Sessions also addressed strengthening ties with labor and community groups in Latin America and Africa.
Conference rooms were temporarily renamed for political figures including Fidel Castro, Nicolás Maduro, Cilia Flores, Rasmea Odeh, Ibrahim Traoré, and Patrice Lumumba. Speakers addressed attendees from a podium draped in a Palestinian flag.
The program included representatives from the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Anti-War Action Network, and several related advocacy groups. Michigan preschool teacher Jessica Plichta, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, spoke before her arrest on charges of blocking a roadway.
Another speaker, Hatem Abudayyeh of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, previously served as a spokesperson for the Rasmea Defense Committee. Conference resolutions called for ending U.S. aid to Israel, supporting boycott campaigns, and backing Iranian sovereignty.
The Chicago Teachers Union was not listed as an official sponsor, though union signage appeared at the venue. A mannequin wearing a CTU shirt was also present.
Josh Weiner, chief advocacy officer at the North American Values Institute, said the conference reflects misplaced priorities. He argued the content has little to do with empowering teachers in classrooms.
Weiner accused the union of maintaining distance from the event while operating in the same activist circles. He noted that union vice president Jackson Potter and the union's governing caucus follow one of the organizing groups on social media.
Weiner warned that students are being exposed to views framing the United States as imperialist and oppressive. He said public education should focus on foundational knowledge and preparing citizens for democratic life.
The Anti-War Action Network states its goal is building a nationwide movement against U.S. imperialism. Weiner called the conference contrary to the purpose of education and an import of extremism into schools.
The event follows earlier criticism of the Chicago Teachers Union for a curriculum initiative aimed at bringing social justice themes into classrooms. Weiner warned the union's approach may spread to other cities.
He said each boundary pushed by the union tends to reappear elsewhere with expanded scope. The Chicago Teachers Union and the Anti-War Action Network were contacted for response.
