Stacy Davis Gates, the President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), has recently come under scrutiny for enrolling her eldest child in a private school, a move that contrasts sharply with her public statements on education. This revelation has stirred debate, given Davis Gates’ past remarks on the importance of public education and her criticism of private schooling.
Multiple sources, including Davis Gates’ own social media posts, have confirmed her teenage son’s enrollment in a Catholic high school located in Chicago’s South Side. While the exact school and the identity of her child remain undisclosed, it’s known that the institution in question is the De La Salle Institute, where the average tuition stands at $14,750 annually.
Previously, Davis Gates had emphasized the significance of her children attending public schools, suggesting that it lent credibility to her position within the union. “I can’t advocate on behalf of public education without it taking root in my own household,” she remarked in a past interview with Chicago Magazine.
However, the NY Post has highlighted that Davis Gates has labeled private schools as “fascist” and “racist.” Despite these strong views, she chose a private institution for her son. This decision is particularly jarring given her past rhetoric, where she termed school choice as “actually the choice of racists” and labeled private schools as “segregation academies.”
Davis Gates also played a role in ending an Illinois program that provided grants to underprivileged children for private school tuition. By January 2025, this move is expected to affect approximately 9,000 students, depriving them of the educational opportunities she is reportedly now providing for her own child.
Critics argue that Davis Gates’ actions not only label her as a hypocrite but also suggest that she’s aware her public statements are misleading. They accuse her of prioritizing the interests of her powerful union over the genuine needs of students and families.
In response to the mounting criticism, Davis Gates released a statement addressing the “online attacks” against her family and the union. She attributed the story’s origin to a disgruntled former CTU employee with a history of violent behavior. She also emphasized the limited options available to Black students and communities, particularly in Chicago’s South and West Sides. Davis Gates explained her decision, stating that she and her husband were “forced” to enroll their son in a private school to fulfill his dream of becoming a soccer player and to cater to his social and emotional needs.
The debate around public versus private education continues to intensify, with stakeholders on both sides presenting their arguments. The recent developments surrounding Davis Gates only add another layer to this intricate discussion.
