Chicago schools stay open May 1 but allow optional civic engagement trips

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) will consider May 1 as a “civic day of action” for students, even though classes are still in session.

Last month, the CTU passed a resolution to designate May 1, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, as a day of “Civil Action and Defense of Public Education” and a day off for teachers and students.

“If we still want to have democracy, public schools that provide quality education for our students, and unions that defend workers’ rights come the midterms this November, then it is the responsibility of every Chicagoan to stand up for what we believe in and show the authoritarian billionaire in Washington that it will not be business as usual when he breaks every rule,” CTU Vice President Jackson Potter said in a statement at the time.

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In a statement made on Friday, CPS approved He said May 1 will still be considered a full day of instruction and students and staff are still expected to attend.

But CPS added that under state law, schools can allow “optional participation” in “civic engagement events” for students who want to attend protests or participate in civic activities during the school day.

“Principals may use their existing authority to provide students with the opportunity to participate in activities and field trips, including civic engagement activities, throughout the school day on May 1. Schools wishing to participate must follow current CPS student travel policy and normal field trip procedures,” the CPS statement said.

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Students will be allowed to participate in civic activities inside and outside Chicago schools. (Getty Images)

According to CPS, students in sixth through 12th grades are allowed to make one excused absence per school year to participate in a civic engagement event, provided they have parental permission and the event is “public and sponsored by a nonprofit organization or a government agency.”

CEO/Inspector Dr. “This agreement protects the class time students deserve and respects our staff and families who must rely on CPS to maintain the academic school year calendar,” Macquline King said in a statement. “The agreement also honors the proud history of civic action in Chicago and beyond.”

CPS has confirmed that future May Days may be considered professional development days from 2028.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement supporting Chicago Public Schools’ statement. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Fox News Digital has reached out to CPS and CTU for comment.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson published a statement We celebrate the announcement on Friday as a way to honor the May 1 date.

“Encouraging inclusion allows Chicagoans to honor our history while defending our future. We look forward to a day of meaningful solidarity and community resistance against the forces that seek to tear us apart,” Johnson said.

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He continued, “The history of May Day in America dates back to Chicago. It was in our city that workers organized around the simple demand of an eight-hour workday and raised the consciousness of a gilded nation through the Haymarket Strike. We continue to work with all City Agencies and Departments to ensure a safe and effective May Day.”