New York City is home to the nation’s largest school system, serving more than a million students. Many are homeless or rely on schools for meals and a safe place to go.Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, laid out the union’s School Safety Report at a news conference Wednesday, flanked in real life and virtually by doctors and city civil rights leaders.
The announcement comes as some schools in Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida reopen for in-person classes only to have to shutter again because of students or staff testing positive for the virus. New York City is one of the nation’s only urban districts to attempt in-person learning, with most others announcing plans for remote instruction until the pandemic subsides.
Mulgrew acknowledged it would be impossible for the city to meet the union’s demands and remain on track to open on Sept. 10. But he warned that the city would see “one of the biggest debacles in history” if school leaders did not agree to the union’s safety demands. The union wants every school staff member and every student who would enter a school building to be tested for coronavirus.
“If we don’t do that, we’re going to have the same stories we’re seeing in Georgia, in Florida, in Mississippi — the same thing will happen here,” Mulgrew said.
Still want to stay home collecting that Uniployment Check 👍😉