The political debate over whether Chicago's public schools will hold classes on May Day is causing confusion among students and parents. The influential teachers union, an ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, wants teachers to participate in protests on May 1, coinciding with workers’ rights rallies worldwide. However, the newly named leader of Chicago Public Schools, Macquline King, has rejected this idea. The union argues that canceling classes would allow teachers and students to protest at a time when education is under threat. The uncertainty over the closure of more than 500 schools is causing headaches for parents about finding child care or canceling test prep. The dispute over the day of school is seen as a test for the Trump administration's agenda, with over 70% of the district's students being low-income; most are Black or Latino.