{"id":1191260,"date":"2022-01-05T15:34:51","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T20:34:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1191260"},"modified":"2022-01-05T15:34:54","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T20:34:54","slug":"teachers-unions-across-the-country-demand-school-shutdowns-over-low-risk-omicron","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/teachers-unions-across-the-country-demand-school-shutdowns-over-low-risk-omicron\/","title":{"rendered":"Teachers\u2019 Unions Across the Country Demand School Shutdowns over Low-Risk Omicron"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fteachers-unions-across-the-country-demand-school-shutdowns-over-low-risk-omicron%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1191260&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/AP20210762908075-640x335-1.jpg\" class=\"ff-og-image-inserted\" alt=\"image\" \/><\/div>\n<p class=\"subheading\">Teachers\u2019 unions across the country are demanding that schools shut down in favor of virtual learning amid concerns over the low-risk omicron variant of the coronavirus.<\/p>\n<p>Virtual learning has proven detrimental to the educations, social development, and mental health of children.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"D-ROS-B1\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B1\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"gmxrevmore\" class=\"H\"><\/figure>\n<p>The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted 73 percent in favor of not returning to school until their demands are met.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTesting, contact tracing and vaccination efforts by [Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot\u2019s (D)] administration have been an abject failure,\u201d CTU Vice President Stacy Davis Gates told CNN. \u201cOur mayor \u2026 is failing our students. We want a plan that looks like, that sounds like safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even Lightfoot appears to believe the union is overstepping.&nbsp;\u201cWe need to keep our kids in schools, which is what we\u2019re going to do in Chicago,\u201d Lightfoot told CNBC on Monday, dismissing the concerns as \u201csaber-rattling by teachers union leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B2\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<p>In a Twitter thread announcing their decision, the CTU said in part, \u201cWe fight for your children like they are our own, because when we teach, they are.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Thousands of our members are CPS parents. To other parents and guardians of this city, we want you to know that when you put your children in our care, we put their well-being and safety first. We fight for your children like they are our own, because when we teach, they are.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ChicagoTeachersUnion (@CTULocal1) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CTULocal1\/status\/1478592877169188867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 5, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, who the left has tried to portray as a \u201cchampion\u201d for reopening schools but who has also worked tirelessly to keep schools closed, maintains that while \u201cno one wants schools closed\u201d they cannot be opened until all the demands are met and Lightfoot moves \u201cheaven and earth to get it right in Chicago.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">NYC and LA have instituted rigorous testing programs to catch asymptomatic COVID spread in its tracks &amp; keep educators, students, and their communities safe. Mayor Lightfoot should be moving heaven and earth to get it right in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Randi Weingarten (@rweingarten) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rweingarten\/status\/1478742238377259008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 5, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In Massachusetts, both the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and the state\u2019s AFT chapter are calling for shutdowns.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B3\" class=\"a8d adSo\"><\/figure>\n<p>The MTA has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcboston.com\/news\/local\/mass-teachers-union-calling-for-schools-to-close-monday-amid-covid-testing-delays\/2602374\/\">called<\/a> for a comprehensive testing regime and for the state to be \u201cmore flexible with a return to remote learning,\u201d according to NBC 10 Boston. Gov. Charlie Baker (R), however, is \u201cadamantly against\u201d returning to remote learning, saying \u201cthe damage that was done to kids should never be repeated, and we have the tools and capabilities to keep people safe.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Colleen Quinn, spokeswoman for the state\u2019s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said, \u201cIt is disappointing that once again the MTA is trying to find a way to close schools, which we know is to the extreme detriment of our children.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"D-ROS-B2\" class=\"a8d\"><\/figure>\n<p>Massachusetts AFT President Beth Kontos called for \u201ca period of remote learning until the current wave of infections abates\u201d before&nbsp;chiding Baker calling on him to \u201caccept the fact that we are in the midst of a runaway public health crisis that is beyond our control. They must acknowledge that returning students to school on Monday will inevitably make the crisis much worse.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIt is time for Gov Baker and Comm Riley to accept the fact that we are in the midst of a runaway public health crisis that is beyond our control. They must acknowledge that returning students to school on Monday will inevitably make the crisis much worse.\u201d \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/beth_kontos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@beth_kontos<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 AFT Massachusetts (@AFTMass) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AFTMass\/status\/1476943386087198757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 31, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Philadelphia unions are also at odds with school official, with FOX 29 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox29.com\/video\/1019616\">describing<\/a> the teachers\u2019 union as \u201clivid.\u201d The school district has at least 84 schools that will operate virtually for the time being due to positive coronavirus tests. Despite this, Superintendent Dr. William Hite said \u201cI want to make that clear, these are COVID-related staff absences.\u201d About 140 schools remain open in the district.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"M-ROS-B4\" class=\"a8d adSo\"><\/figure>\n<p>Union president Jerry Jordan said, \u201cIt is disgraceful that the week began in the way it did \u2014 the district is wasting precious time and leaving communities scrambling. The District asks for \u2018flexibility and understanding.\u2019 That can only go so far.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Connecticut\u2019s largest teachers\u2019 union, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), is also calling for a return to harmful remote learning.<\/p>\n<p>In an email sent to its members, the CEA confirmed that most local presidents <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwlp.com\/news\/connecticut\/connecticut-teachers-union-push-return-of-remote-learning\/\">prefer<\/a> \u201cfully remote\u201d learning, calling the omicron and testing situation \u201ca perfect storm,\u201d according to WWLP.<\/p>\n<p>In a <a href=\"https:\/\/cea.org\/cea-school-employee-unions-call-for-nine-point-plan-to-keep-schools-safe-state-says-supplies-on-the-way\/\">call<\/a> for a \u201cnine-point plan to keep schools safe,\u201d CEA President Kate Dias said that \u201cSixty percent of our members report that they don\u2019t have access to N95 or KN95 masks, and more than 70 percent have reported not having access to testing. \u2026&nbsp;It doesn\u2019t feel safe, it doesn\u2019t feel cared for, it doesn\u2019t feel responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>But Dias went on to describe her and her colleagues as \u201cdoers,\u201d while the nine-point plan calls for \u201cstringent new protocols\u201d:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>More aggressive testing protocols and assessment of symptoms to closely monitor students and teachers before they enter schools;<\/p>\n<p>access to COVID-19 vaccination and free testing at all schools, including weekly pool testing; N95 masks and in-home test kits for students and staff, as well as a requirement that N95 masks be worn by all in school buildings, regardless of vaccination status; continued social distancing and improved ventilation; a prohibition on large group gatherings, combined classes, and dual teaching; and a prohibition on requirements that staff use sick time for quarantines.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>A New York City union also <a href=\"https:\/\/pix11.com\/news\/local-news\/nyc-teachers-union-wants-schools-to-pivot-to-remote-learning\/\">wants<\/a> to return to remote learning, despite new Mayor Eric Adams (D) committing to in-person school, according to PIX11.<\/p>\n<p>A city Department of Education spokesperson said, however, that \u201call of the data shows that the safest place for children is inside a school and we\u2019re working with our school leaders to ensure they are fully prepared to welcome back students and staff safely in-person on Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While some officials like Lightfoot, Baker, and Adams appear committed to keeping schools open, other officials are laying the groundwork for school closures and draconian policies that have proven detrimental to children, like masking.<\/p>\n<p>Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breitbart.com\/politics\/2021\/12\/30\/d-c-s-democrat-mayor-expect-virtual-learning-throughout-the-semester\/\">announced<\/a> on Twitter that&nbsp;while they are \u201cworking together to keep classrooms open,\u201d students and families can \u201cexpect \u2026 situational virtual learning throughout the semester, especially in the coming weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many decried the decision as not being in the interest of children, but rather teachers\u2019 unions. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), on the other hand,&nbsp;called for the U.S. Congress to retake control of D.C.\u2019s governance, saying, \u201cYou are destroying children. Under the Constitution \u2013 you answer to Congress. It\u2019s time for Congress to take over DC \u2013 open schools, open restaurants &amp; businesses, clean up jails, enforce the laws, &amp; end the crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nj.com\/coronavirus\/2022\/01\/kids-in-nj-schools-will-have-to-continue-to-wear-masks-as-murphy-extends-mandate.html\">seeking<\/a> to extend the statewide mask mandate for school children.<\/p>\n<p>Murphy lifted the Garden State\u2019s general mask mandate in May but maintained it for schools, daycare centers, and some other settings.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the exponential surge in our numbers, it would be the height of irresponsibility to lift these basic public health requirements at this time,\u201d Murphy said. \u201cI will not let that happen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Outgoing state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D), however, would not make a determination on the mandate, telling NJ Advance Media, \u201cWe\u2019re gonna have to learn how to live with this. Because it\u2019s another year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Education advocacy organization Free to Learn tweeted of the school closings that \u201cit\u2019s anti-science and punishes student who have already suffered devastating learning loss over the last nearly two years.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Closing schools in the name of Covid is unacceptable. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s anti-science and punishes students who have already suffered devastating learning loss over the last nearly two years.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the schools open.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Free to Learn (@ftlcoalition) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ftlcoalition\/status\/1478475322433716227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">January 4, 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>As Breitbart News <a href=\"https:\/\/www.breitbart.com\/politics\/2022\/01\/03\/2700-plus-schools-closed-for-omicron-despite-low-risk\/\">reported<\/a>, more than 3,200 schools announced closures or condemnation to remote learning. The number has since increased to over 3,700 schools.<\/p>\n<p><em>Breccan F. Thies<\/em>&nbsp;<em>is a reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a title=\"This external link will open in a new window\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BreccanFThies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BreccanFThies<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Teachers\u2019 unions across the country are demanding that schools shut down in favor of virtual learning amid concerns over the low-risk omicron variant of the coronavirus. Virtual learning has proven &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":179,"featured_media":2315279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1191260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1191260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/179"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1191260"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1191260\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2315279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1191260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1191260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1191260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}