Follow the Science, Unless the Teachers Unions Say Otherwise

Joe Biden claims that he will follow the science when it comes to reopening schools, except when it conflicts with the agenda pushed by teachers unions. Studies now show it is safe for students to return to school and even say time in the classroom is beneficial for students’ educational, emotional, and mental health. However, President Biden and Democrat governors across the country have been slow-walking the process and moving the goalposts on getting students back in the classroom.

“President Joe Biden’s vow to reopen most schools during his first 100 days is crashing into demands of one of his party’s most powerful constituencies: teachers’ unions. And the friction is creating an early test for the Democratic Party’s commitment to following the advice of scientists when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.” –Politico

“White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain defended teachers’ unions who refuse to resume in-person teaching despite studies that have shown a low risk of spreading the coronavirus.” –Fox News

“Less than 36 hours after President Biden had been inaugurated, the presidents of the nation’s two teachers unions were in the White House being honored by the First Lady.” –Education Next

Now, the President faces a critical crossroads: Will he work swiftly to re-open schools and act in the best interests of students across the country, or will he negate the science to please the teachers unions? Here’s a recap of what the experts are saying on the matter: 

“Accumulating data suggests school settings do not result in rapid spread of Covid-19 when mitigation measures are followed.” –CDC Director Rochelle Walensky

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a striking message on Tuesday: Children should return to classrooms because it’s safe for them to do so.” –The New York Times

“Data from K-12 schools that reopened for in-person instruction in the fall show little evidence that schools contributed meaningfully to the spread of COVID-19, according to a new article published Tuesday in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association.” –NPR

“Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the government’s top public health experts, said Thursday that he supports re-opening schools under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.” –NBC News

“The Biden administration is coming under pressure from Republicans to support the reopening of schools after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published new research that says that schools can operate safely despite COVID-19.” –The Hill

Bottom line: Joe Biden should not allow teachers unions to stand in the way of the science. It is past time for the president to put politics aside and act in the best interest of America’s students.