Philly educators protest against reopening schools emphasizing unsafe conditions

BY BECCA HAYDU ON FEBRUARY 18, 2021

On Monday, February 8, public elementary schools in Philadelphia were set to reopen. Teachers, students and the community came together to protest against unsafe conditions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the event invitation on social media, the organizers state the following:

Our buildings remain unsafe, with widespread asbestos, lead, mold - in addition to the widely-reported issues with poor ventilation. We want to protect staff, students, parents, and our communities. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID-19 has disproportionately devastated Black and Brown communities nationwide and in Philadelphia, the same communities that many of our public schools serve and where many staff members live. Furthermore, many students and staff live in intergenerational households with other family members who are more at risk for COVID-19, and we refuse to put them at risk by letting this unsafe reopening plan go forward.

Teachers who didn’t follow the instructions to start in-person instruction wouldn’t face disciplinary actions, according to the city. The Philadelphia School District (PSD) released a statement postponing the reopening of schools until Feb. 22. In the meantime, PSD and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers are working with a mediator to ensure schools can be opened safely.