Cop Killer Tribute Ignites CHAOS in Chicago Schools

Police tape marking a crime scene at night.

The Chicago Teachers Union’s decision to honor a convicted cop killer as a “leader of freedom” has ignited outrage, revealing just how far radical agendas have infiltrated America’s schools—even after years of public backlash.

Story Snapshot

The Chicago Teachers Union publicly honored Assata Shakur, convicted of murdering a New Jersey State Trooper, after her death in Cuba.
The tribute sparked rare bipartisan condemnation from law enforcement, political leaders, and the public, who decried the glorification of a cop killer.
CTU’s statement amplified debate over the role of activism in education and renewed concerns about unions pushing divisive, anti-law enforcement narratives.
Backlash may impact CTU’s influence and intensify scrutiny of radical agendas in public schools.

CTU Honors Convicted Cop Killer, Sparks National Outrage

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), one of the nation’s most powerful teachers’ unions, honored Assata Shakur—convicted for the 1973 murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster—just hours after her death in Cuba at age 78. Their social media post praised Shakur as a “leader of freedom” and “revolutionary,” drawing immediate condemnation from law enforcement, political officials, and families of fallen officers. Many Americans see this as a blatant attack on the values of law, order, and respect for those who serve.

Assata Shakur, born Joanne Chesimard, was a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army—groups notorious for violent confrontations with police in the 1970s. Convicted in 1977 for her role in the fatal shootout that killed Trooper Foerster, Shakur escaped prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she lived in exile until her death. While some activist groups have tried to recast her as a “political prisoner,” her conviction and fugitive status are clear facts that law enforcement and victims’ families cannot ignore.

Political and Law Enforcement Leaders Condemn the Tribute

The CTU’s tribute generated a rare moment of unity across the political spectrum. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy called the statement “depraved,” while Chicago aldermen and national law enforcement organizations demanded accountability from the union. The swift and bipartisan backlash underscores the profound disconnect between radical union leadership and the values of everyday Americans—especially those who believe in upholding the rule of law and supporting first responders.

Law enforcement leaders warned that glorifying a convicted cop killer undermines public trust and endangers police officers. Families of victims expressed deep hurt, emphasizing that honoring Shakur disrespects the memory of those lost in the line of duty. Even some CTU members and Chicago educators voiced concern that the union’s actions damage the profession’s reputation and erode community trust.

Broader Implications for Education and Public Discourse

This controversy has reignited debate over the extent to which public sector unions should engage in political activism, especially when it involves celebrating individuals convicted of violent crimes. The backlash may weaken CTU’s influence in city politics and contract negotiations, as officials and the public question whether the union’s priorities align with the needs of students and families. Other educational organizations and unions now face pressure to clarify their positions on controversial figures, wary of similar reputational fallout.

For many conservative Americans, the CTU’s actions epitomize the dangers of unchecked radical ideology in the classroom. The incident serves as a stark reminder of why vigilance against politicized agendas in education remains critical to preserving American values, supporting law enforcement, and restoring public trust in our schools.