The city of Chicago, led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Barack Obama’s former chief of staff, has announced plans to close 129 schools this year. The school closures, predominantly in poor neighborhoods, are part of the Obama administration’s nationwide attack on public education.

Facing mass opposition to school closures, the city is holding a series of public hearings in an attempt to defuse popular outrage. The WSWS spoke to parents, teachers, and students at several meetings last week in different areas of the city.