Chicago Mayor Admits “Mistake” in Encouraging Teachers to Offer Extra Credit to Students Who Campaign for Her

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Sunday’s response to reports that her campaign for re-election had been criticized by the media was: “inappropriately coercive” Request for public school teachers to give extra credit to students in return for her help “win.”

MSNBC’s “The Sunday Show,” The Democratic politician admitted to wrongdoing. It is currently under investigation. “was simply a mistake.”

“Look… in our zeal to make sure that young people had an opportunity to participate — and they are flocking to our campaign — one of our staffers reached out through publicly-available information to [Chicago Public Schools] teachers and our city colleges,” Jonathan Capehart was also interviewed by Lightgoot. “That was just simply a mistake.”

“I’m the mayor of the city. I’m not somebody aspiring to be the mayor. And the wall between the campaign and the official side has to be impenetrable, and it will be, and that was a mistake,” The mayor was also quoted.

On Wednesday, a Lightfoot Chicago Public School teachers were asked by campaign staff to send students an email asking for their support. “credit” For volunteering to the campaign “externship program,” reported WTTW News. The Illinois American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), called upon the Chicago mayor. “renounce” The “inappropriately coercive” email, reported Fox News.

“We’re looking for motivated, curious, and hard-working young people willing to help. Mayor Lightfoot “Win this spring,” the email stated.

WTTW News was alerted by a spokesperson for Chicago Public Schools. “as a rule, the district does not coordinate with any political candidates or campaigns. It has not done so to date and will not be doing so.”

The state’s ACLU branch stated in a complete statement that it was against the law. “The Lightfoot campaign’s email to Chicago Public School teachers urging them to offer extra credit to students as an incentive to volunteer on the Mayor’s re-election campaign is inappropriately coercive and raises First Amendment concerns.” 

“The Supreme Court has made clear that government officials cannot use their office or power to coerce participation or to punish for lack of participation in political campaigns.” The campaign’s actions were deemed successful by the non-profit. “harken back to the worst days of the Chicago political machine.”

“To be clear, this is now Mayor Lightfoot’s responsibility. It cannot be swept away by statements from subordinates in her campaign,” The ACLU was not stopped. “The Mayor should personally and publicly renounce this infraction in strong, explicit language, making clear that no one in Chicago should feel compelled to participate in her re-election campaign. That is what is necessary in this moment.” 

Stacy Davis Gates, President of Chicago Teachers Union, stated that Lightfoot’s campaign was in an unconstitutional manner. “unethical,” She expressed concern that teachers might be retaliated against for not enlisting students in the campaign.

Chicago Public Schools Inspector General confirmed that. NBC News It had been announced on Thursday “opened an investigation into this matter and we are currently gathering information to determine which, if any, policies have been violated.”

Already, Chicago is heating up with a mayoral race. recent poll Show Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia leads incumbent Lightfoot. ​​

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