A mass of people converged on Chicago's Federal Plaza before marching toward Chicago Public Schools headquarters on Wednesday afternoon in support of charter schools.
The rally was organized by Charter Parents United. Supporters demanded equal funding and an expansion of the number of charter schools in Chicago.
A Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman said charter schools are just one of many options for students.
"We are dedicated to providing every child in every neighborhood with access to a 21st-century education that prepares them for success in school and in life," said Becky Carroll. "In doing so, we are providing parents with high-quality options by investing in our neighborhood schools, expanding rigorous programs like like IB and STEM, and supporting quality charter schools to ensure that all families have choices in every part of the city."
Charter advocates maintain they've been unfairly blamed for school closings by the Chicago Teachers Union and other organizations.
