The answer becomes even clearer when we look at who loses under the Fair Map model. Moving to an untested process of mapmaking jeopardizes minority voting rights at a time when we can least afford it, as even under the most carefully crafted “independent” model, the makeup of the commission will not reflect our communities. Chances are those who volunteer to serve on a commission will be disproportionately wealthy, elite and politically connected insiders – effectively allowing them control over working class, minority communities. 

Bruce Rauner and his billionaire friends spent untold amounts of money to implement this same plan, and in every state the right-wing has seized control, they have worked to erode the institution of public education and labor protections. Our state, however, has maintained these values.  While right-wing interests across the country have worked to disenfranchise and harm communities of color, Illinois has strengthened voting rights.

Our current map is representing the demographics of our communities, and while there is room for improvement, we must question why some now seek to completely dismantle a process that has so empowered women and people of color by reflecting the true diversity of our state. Fair Map is being parroted as a "good government" tactic to make representation throughout our state fairer. It won’t be. 

As a member of a diverse union that represents more than 25,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, clinicians, nurses and librarians in a district that serves nearly 400,000 Black and Brown children, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our students enter a world that believes they deserve a quality public education. They also deserve a seat at the table for discussions that impact their own lives. That’s fair representation. That’s democracy. 

Our state recently passed a number of historic reforms to invest and empower our students, and bolster our education infrastructure to improve the lives of working families. This was possible because our current mapmaking process created districts in which working people had the chance to vote in competitive districts to elect those with the courage to fight for them.

We have made progress in our state to ensure that every child – regardless of income, race or ethnicity – has the opportunity to build a good life. Much more remains to be done, and that is why we cannot allow an untested, unaccountable force to determine when and if they have a voice in their own future. 

Simply put, the Fair Map is discriminatory against the people who need equity the most. And its impact will be felt in the same manner.

Stacy Davis Gates is vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union.