Jessica Plichta

A two-day conference featuring socialist, anti-war, and pro-Palestinian activists at Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) headquarters has drawn criticism for prioritizing political activism over classroom concerns. The event included workshops on protest tactics, fundraising, and international labor ties, with rooms renamed after figures like Fidel Castro and Nicolás Maduro. CTU was not an official sponsor, but the venue displayed union signage, and speakers from groups like the U.S. Palestinian Community Network and Freedom Road Socialist Organization addressed attendees.