Chicago High School’s Slave Auction Reenactment Triggers Controversy

In February 2025, Carver Military Academy, a Chicago public high school on the Far South Side, staged “Journey Back to America,” a Black History Month play depicting slavery. A filmed segment shows students participating in a mock slave auction: Black students were cast as enslaved individuals, while Hispanic and Latino students acted as auctioneers and buyers, and audience members were prompted to place bids.

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The production aimed to educate students about slavery. Teachers who observed the performance said the casting choices appeared deliberate and troubling, and they raised concerns with the school principal and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) administrators shortly after the February 2025 showing.

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Key participants include Carver Military Academy; Chicago Public Schools, the district overseeing the school; an anonymous longtime teacher who objected to the casting; Northwestern professor Alvin Tillery, director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy; and the Black, Hispanic, and Latino students who performed.

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The play was performed in February 2025. Teachers filed complaints with school leaders and CPS weeks later. After more than a year, they released the video to Chicago media in early 2026. CPS said it became aware of the concerns in February 2026 and issued a public statement on an unspecified Friday night.

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CPS said the incident conflicted with the district’s expectations and values. The district issued guidance for culturally responsible assemblies and performances but did not disclose disciplinary measures or name the faculty member involved. Teachers also called the Office of Equity’s response inadequate.

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An anonymous teacher said the casting divided students along racial lines, with Black students portrayed as enslaved and Hispanic/Latino peers as buyers. Professor Tillery described the reenactment as extremely problematic and argued that such cruelties should not be staged for children. Critics say the performance retraumatized students and fell short of educational standards for sensitive history.

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Sources disagree on the timing: the play occurred in February 2025, yet CPS says it learned of the concerns in February 2026. CPS has not disclosed staff discipline, the faculty member’s identity, or the specifics of the new guidance.

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• “The students were divvied up,” — Anonymous teacher, Carver Military Academy

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• “We do not need to put children in the position of reenacting these cruelties,” — Alvin Tillery, Northwestern professor

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• “very, very problematic.” — Alvin Tillery

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• “activities of this nature are wholly inconsistent with the expectations and values of this administration.” — Chicago Public Schools statement

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As of the CPS statement, no further public actions, staff discipline, or policy changes have been announced. Stakeholders await clarification on accountability and future guidelines for historically sensitive performances.

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