Education
CPS CEO Macquline King Subpoenaed to Testify Before Congressional Education Committee
Interim CPS CEO Macquline King appears on “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” on Aug. 27, 2025. (WTTW News)
A Republican-led Congressional committee has subpoenaed Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King, compelling her to appear in Washington and testify on the school district’s compliance with federal civil rights and privacy laws.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, who chairs the House Committee on Education and Workforce, said in a letter sent to King on Wednesday that she has refused previous requests to testify on three federal bills — the PROTECT Kids Act, the :Say No to Indoctrination” Act and the “Stop the Sexualization of Children” Act.
But after she repeatedly declined, the committee has now subpoenaed her to appear before its members in June.
“The Committee’s review of CPS’s compliance with the above-mentioned laws, as well as other civil rights and privacy laws, will help the Committee determine whether and, if so, what further changes in law may be needed to ensure children are protected and federal funds are spent responsibly,” Walberg wrote.
Spokespersons for CPS did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The Department of Education under President Donald Trump launched investigations in CPS last year, targeting its Black Student Success Plan and district policies that ensure safe and welcoming school environments for transgender students.
King cited those pending investigations, as well as scheduling conflicts, in declining previous invitations to appear before the committee, according to Walberg, who said those explanations “will no longer be legally valid … in the face of a duly issued subpoena.”
“In Chicago, we believe in academic freedom, teaching Black history, supporting trans and immigrant youth, teaching civics, and doing our part to stand up to the billionaires who have taken over federal government to bring back the confederacy,” The Chicago Teachers Union said in a social media post responding to news of the subpoena.
The CTU added that this marks “one more example of why we need our state leaders to take seriously the need to Trump proof Illinois.”
The committee’s hearing is scheduled for June 10. King, who is still serving in her role on an interim basis, will officially become the permanent CPS chief on July 1.
WTTW News education reporting is supported, in part, by Press Forward Chicago.
