Amidst the recent outbreak of Covid-19, its implications on citizens have been made evident. It is a rapid spreading and potentially fatal disease. Given that the state of Florida has transformed into an epicenter for this pandemic, it is integral that residents are not interacting unnecessarily but rather quarantining and remaining socially distant.

    Contrary to these guidelines, schools within the Broward County Public School system are scheduled to reopen on the tentative date of October 5th. A breeding ground for disease, the openings of these institutions pose a major threat to students and educators alike. Nevertheless, teachers are essentially being forced to return to campuses within the next month. Recently, a survey was issued to educators—proposing the choice to either return to school disregarding the serious implications of Covid-19, or to take a (majority UNPAID) leave of absence for a year. 

     The risks associated with such a highly transmissible disease are immense. Considering that so many educators are high risk, live with young children and/or other relatives at home, the effects of returning to in person learning this early can be detrimental. By posing teachers an ultimatum between potentially compromising their health or losing their jobs for a year, the BCPS board, as well as the State of Florida, are threatening their right to choose to remain healthy and avoid the implications of such a rapid spreading disease. The diversity observed in our educators also translates to a plethora of economic statuses and backgrounds--some of which are reliant on stable employment. Why should an individual’s health be disregarded for a paycheck?

     Perhaps most notably, the learning method will be the same in person as it has been online: through a laptop. If returning to campus will not ameliorate the learning experience for educators and students significantly, there is virtually no point in returning.

So on behalf of teachers throughout Broward County Public Schools, give them the choice. Allow teachers to stay home and teach online, thus acknowledging their risks, socio-economic statuses, and their right to choose health!