Civil-rights advocates and parents described an incident at Pierce Elementary in which a library worker put up an Arab American Heritage Month display that included factual material about conditions in Gaza, and the school subsequently received a large volume of outside email complaints.

Maggie Slaven of CARE Chicago told the board the principal and library worker "did not feel supported by CPS" and that the district’s offices — she named OSP and EOCO — "kept ping-ponging back and forth" with no clear directive, leaving staff unsure how to respond. CARE asked the district for clearer policy guidance and support to protect staff and students from harassment and to ensure culturally responsive materials are handled consistently.

Jordan Esparza Kelly, also with CARE, urged CPS to use its equity framework—she cited targeted universalism—and create explicit guidance for schools and libraries so educators are not left to face outside pressure without clear district direction.

A parent and former student who is Palestinian American described the display as factual and said "Palestinians are Arab. That is a fact" and urged the district to protect Palestinian students from erasure and to treat their heritage consistently with other demographic recognitions.

Discussion vs. action: Public testimony called for policy action; the board did not vote on a policy change at the meeting. Advocates sought a formal district policy to prevent ad hoc responses and protect staff who curate culturally responsive classroom and library materials.

What’s next: CARE and parents asked CPS to issue clear written guidance to principals and school librarians that balances curriculum, culturally responsive pedagogy, student safety, and protection from coordinated outside harassment.