Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1535219
And for the first time, it includes protections for academic freedom, Black history and culturally relevant curriculum. It calls for the continuation of sanctuary schools and creates LGBTQIA+ safe spaces in schools. "We're proud to have landed a transformative contract that turns away from decades of disinvesting in Black children and turns toward creating the world-class education system for every single student in Chicago Public Schools, no matter their zip code," said Davis Gates. Under the new agreement, the union, Chicago Public Schools, and city agencies will coordinate for the first time to provide housing support for CPS families in need. The contract also embraces greener schools. It calls for increasing the number of "Sustainable Community Schools" from 20 to 70 over the course of the agreement. It will pro- vide additional resources to remediate lead, asbestos and mold in aging school buildings while upgrading to green energy with environmentally sustainable technology, materi- als and practices. "Our union is bargaining for what every parent wants for their child in our school communities," said Davis Gates, including "access to arts, sports, wrap-around supports and libraries. Our members should not have to fight to rebuild libraries. All of these resources should already exist in every single school community." Our new contract, along with a growing resistance to federal attacks on working families, should give us hope and sustenance for the fights ahead. Jackson Potter is vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union. This article first appeared in Labor Notes. "Our union is bargaining for access to arts, sports, wrap- around supports and libraries. Our members should not have to fight to rebuild libraries. All of these resources should already exist." —Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates 43 M AY 2 0 2 5