Hello, my name is Marissa Garcia and I am the Chapter Leader for New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn. I am requesting the assistance of every UFT member, every staff member regardless of union affiliation, every NYC DOE student and parent, to demand transparency from the UFT regarding our safety.

We were told from the beginning to listen to science and not politics. Our union had a stance until a week ago that certain scientific protocols were necessary if we were to reopen safely, including mandatory tests for anyone entering school buildings (either positive for antibodies or negative for COVID19) within 10 days of opening. Then Monday it changed, allegedly because the scientific experts said so. Or maybe it was politics. I'm not sure, which is the entire point of this petition.

I sent emails to two different people at the UFT requesting to see IN WRITING that the scientific medical advice from Northwell Health and Harvard had changed, that the safeguard of mandatory testing was no longer necessary. I got nothing in response. It's been almost a week, teachers report in two days, and we are entitled to none of the safety protocols except for PPE until students enter the building.

I then spoke to someone at the UFT who told me my request was one person’s request out of thousands and thousands of members who have other concerns.

So, let’s make it thousands of members.

Please sign below to request that the UFT give us written proof that their change in demands was not political negotiation, but something scientifically valid and that we will all, students, teachers, and all other staff, be as safe as scientifically possible. Sign below to demand to see Northwell Health's and Harvard's written scientific platform on NYC schools' safe reopening.

Thank you for your time and attention, stay safe, and have a great beginning of the school year, regardless of the stress!