Chicago – August 24, 2024
Chicago’s school district has postponed the start of the academic year by a week, stirring controversy. Critics claim the decision is politically motivated due to its timing with the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which is expected to bring about 75,000 visitors to the city. Originally, students were set to return this Monday, but the new schedule shows the school year starting then and ending on June 12, 2025, with 176 days of classes.
The district explains that this break will give students a chance to get involved in the convention by attending, volunteering, and learning more about civic engagement. However, this decision has upset some lawmakers and education experts. They are particularly concerned because Randi Weingarten, the head of the American Federation of Teachers, is speaking at a DNC event on the same Monday schools were supposed to open, adding to the speculation of political influence.
