CPS investigates slavery reenactment complaint at school

Chicago Public Schools officials are investigating a complaint from a parent who says her child’s history lesson included a slavery reenactment that traumatized students.

The mother, who asked not to be identified, said her elementary-age child came home upset after participating in what she described as a classroom activity that simulated the slave trade. The incident allegedly occurred at a South Side elementary school last week.

“My child was crying and asking why they had to pretend to be enslaved,” the parent said. “This is not appropriate for any classroom, especially not for young children.”

CPS spokesman James Gherardi said the district takes all complaints seriously and has launched an investigation into the allegations.

“We are committed to creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students,” Gherardi said. “Any teaching methods that cause distress or trauma to students are unacceptable.”

The parent said she learned about the activity when her child refused to discuss what happened at school that day. After pressing for details, she said her child described being asked to role-play as an enslaved person during a lesson about American history.

“Teachers need to find age-appropriate ways to teach this difficult history,” said Dr. LaShawn Route, a Chicago education advocate. “Reenactments can retraumatize students, especially Black children who may see themselves in these scenarios.”

The complaint comes as CPS faces ongoing scrutiny over curriculum decisions and teaching methods across the district’s 500-plus schools. Last year, the district updated its social studies standards to include more diverse perspectives on American history.

Education experts say slavery and its legacy should be taught in schools but through developmentally appropriate methods that don’t require students to simulate traumatic experiences.

The school’s principal did not respond to requests for comment. CPS officials said they expect to complete their investigation within two weeks and will take appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.