Teachers union says Chicago forces Olympic support

[May 04, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A teachers union says an e-mail from the Chicago school board appears to force principals to support the city's bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2016.

Chicago Teachers Union spokeswoman Rosemaria Genova says the April 22 e-mail from Board President Michael Scott appeared to force schools to participate in an event promoting the bid.

Scott's note for Olympic Week in America ended with: "You must sign up by Monday, April 27."

Genova says participation could be difficult as the city's proposal includes closing some schools near Olympic venues.

Scott said Friday that registrations were "absolutely voluntary" but acknowledged the e-mail was strongly worded.

[Associated Press]

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