When COVID-19 cases surged around the United States back in March, Florida had few cases in comparison to many other states. However, we took the position that our schools should switch to virtual instruction in order to protect our teachers, students, administration, and families from the novel coronavirus.

Today, Florida is considered a hotspot for COVID-19, and our cases are substantially increasing every day. However, now, our state seems to no longer be interested in protecting our teachers, students, administration, and families. Instead, our state is advocating for our kids to return to school. Florida is in an even worse position than it was back in March. Yet, the health of the people of the State of Florida does not seem to be the driving factor or priority of this decision to return to school. Rather, politics have come into play.

According to an article in South Florida Sun Sentinel, “[m]any teachers remain uncomfortable about returning to their classrooms. The Broward Teachers Union has asked the school district to continue remote-only learning.” If the very people tasked with educating our children are against returning to schools, surely this could negatively impact the learning environment and the overall productivity of these teachers in the classroom. 

As a parent, NOTHING is more important than the health and safety of my kids and family. Therefore, like the Broward Teachers Union, I will not support any decision that places them, or any other child or family at risk. Please join me in a petition to help keep our schools closed and promote virtual learning until COVID-19 cases are under control in the state of Florida, and there are, at minimum, less than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases daily.

Protect the health and overall well-being of the people of the State of Florida! Support returning to school ONLY when it is physically safe to do so!