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Emanuel Denies Saying He'd Given Up On Some Schoolchildren

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel is denying an accusation from the head of the teachers union that he ever made comments suggesting he has given up on some Chicago Public schoolchildren.

As WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis says at a get-acquainted dinner before he was sworn in as mayor, Emanuel told her that 25 percent of children who attend the Chicago Public Schools will never amount to anything, and he wasn't going to throw resources at them.

In his first public comments on the conversation, the mayor made a firm denial.

"One, it's totally false. Two, or furthermore, any sentiments around that statement do not reflect, or square, with the actions I've taken to make sure every child has access to a quality education," Emanuel said.

Emanuel emphasized he has been committing great resources to overhauling underperforming schools in the poorest area of the city.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports

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