Throughout our country, teachers are the foundation of our nation. They get up every morning before the sun comes up, spend all day acting as teacher, therapist, social worker, first responders to shootings and countless other hats to ensure the next generation have the tools necessary to succeed in our nation. They do so not to make money, they often can barely afford the basics, rather they do it because they love to inspire young people to reach their full potential.

Now, the Department of Education under Betsy DeVos is demanding our teachers put their lives on the line by opening schools in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have chosen to forgo science in the name of the economy and we are already seeing the ramifications of those decisions through the skyrocketing number of infections throughout our country.

Our schools are already overcrowded, ensuring 6 feet for social distancing is impossible. They cannot give a definitive answer on requiring students and teachers to wear masks. They have no plan how to protect the students or teachers.

We must stand and say no more. Those who are shaping the future of our nation through the education of children should not be required to jeopardize their lives to do so. Betsy Devos must step up and listen to the recommendations of our scientists, not those who are too ignorant to acknowledge the dangers they will be subjected to.