We, the undersigned DPS parents and community members, join in demanding a SAFE and EQUITABLE return to school for the 2020-2021 academic year. This includes:

- Delayed opening and/or online-only instruction until there are at least 14 days with no new COVID-19 cases in the school district, with exceptions for special needs and other high-needs students.

- A stakeholder process for re-opening and determining safety protocols that includes public health experts, educators, administrators, frontline staff, and parents and primary caregivers across a wide racial and socioeconomic spectrum.

- Decision-making that is informed by both public health best practices and a racial equity lens that takes into account health disparities and elevated risks for students, educators, and staff from our Black, Latinx, and indigenous communities.

- Safety protocols and protections, as well as increased mental health supports for all DPS students, families, teachers, and staff.

- Transparency and open communication with the DPS community: students, educators, staff, and parents and other primary caregivers.

Currently, the burden of weighing health and safety against education and employment is falling on individual families, teachers, and staff. This is the opposite of safe or equitable decision-making. We demand LEADERSHIP from our school district's leaders. Prioritize safe and equitable school openings now.