Introducing Stacy Davis Gates: The Unintentional Advocate for Homeschooling
While “Homeschool Advocate” may not appear on her business card, Stacy Davis Gates, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union, is making a compelling case for parents to consider alternative education options—especially in major U.S. cities.
Davis Gates has made headlines for her candid remarks, including a memorable quip from last March: “They’re gonna say, ‘these are great proposals and can’t nobody pay for it and CTU with all of this, that and the other and who’s gonna pay for it, Stacy?’ … Stop asking that question. Ask another question.” Her latest comments at the City Club of Chicago seem to echo this theme of deflection, as she urged residents to place blame on former President Donald Trump rather than addressing the systemic issues contributing to a staggering half-billion-dollar deficit in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). (Perhaps a little more inquiry into that deficit wouldn’t be out of place.)
“The budget and its choices manifest into real impacts that our young people get to experience,” Davis Gates asserted. She highlighted how budget decisions have left students at Julian High School without a math teacher for almost a year and Clemente High School without a chemistry teacher. “Those are not occurrences. Those are choices,” she emphasized, inadvertently pointing to the broader failures of the educational system she represents.
It’s essential to note that CPS finds itself in a financial bind, supported by a mayor, the progressive Democrat Brandon Johnson, who lacks the necessary funds, leaving borrowing or cuts as the only viable options. Yet, Davis Gates didn’t stop there; she made an even bolder claim during her speech, suggesting that the schools—despite their financial struggles—essentially claim ownership over the children they teach.
“One of the first social studies lessons taught in kindergarten classrooms is of community,” she noted, claiming that children learn about the interconnectedness of people and institutions. “The attack on the idea of community is exactly the point,” she continued, referencing the so-called “right-wing outrage” over a teacher quoting African-American author James Baldwin during a rally last year. “The children are always ours,” she declared. “Every single one of them, all over the globe.”
Her remarks drew applause as she affirmed, “Yes, we do [think your children are our children].” However, this statement raises questions about the role of educators and the extent of their influence over children outside of the classroom. “We like children. We educate them, we nurture them, we protect them, we support them, we negotiate for them, we create space for them, we even have them in our homes,” Davis Gates elaborated, branding her union as a protector of children’s rights.
“The children are always ours. Every single one of them. All over the globe.”
“Yes, we do [think your children are our children].” pic.twitter.com/ObfHpV2tRX
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice advocate (@DeAngelisCorey) June 24, 2025
In her quest to represent educators, Davis Gates inadvertently positions herself as a leading figure in the homeschooling movement. By asserting that educators should possess a role in both teaching and determining the educational framework for their students, she raises significant concerns about accountability and the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars.
Ultimately, the core responsibility of educators should be to provide quality education, not to engage in ideological battles or social engineering. One might argue that her remarks reflect a broader trend within educational policy, where the lines between education and indoctrination become increasingly blurred. For instance, earlier in her speech, she compared the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to historical challenges of white supremacy during the Reconstruction era—a comparison that could be seen as hyperbolic, unless one subscribes to a specific ideological stance.
The reactions to her speech were predictable yet telling. Many commenters on X expressed outrage, with one user stating, “They wouldn’t treat a dog the way those children are treated,” highlighting the disconnect between educators and the communities they serve.
Oh my god, this is so vile.
— ploppity plop (@supercalifrag33) June 24, 2025
I love it when they are transparent about how sinister they are
— Ryan (@michael_ryan_23) June 24, 2025
In a world where education is increasingly becoming a battleground for ideological supremacy, it’s vital for parents to remain vigilant. The previous Biden administration underscored the notion that teachers’ roles extend beyond mere educators, stating that children are “not somebody else’s children; they’re like yours when they’re in the classroom.” However, this perspective fails to recognize the fundamental relationship between parents and their children’s education.
As the conversation around educational policy evolves, parents may find themselves increasingly drawn to homeschooling as a valid alternative. After all, if educational institutions are more interested in shaping ideology than imparting knowledge, it may be time to take the reins of education back into their own hands.
This article originally appeared on The Western Journal.
