Massachusetts Teachers Association denounces the state’s new school orientation

Schools

“The MTA calls on school districts to immediately exercise their authority and demand universal masking to protect the health and safety of students, educators and their local communities.”

Read the full statement released by Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy in response to new state school guidelines below:

“The guidelines released today by Governor Charlie Baker’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are not guidelines in any way. Rather than adopting a plan that conforms to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, DESE is essentially signaling that students, educators, and families should not take the reality of life seriously. alarming increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

“It is a reckless decision.

“But fortunately, it is time for DESE to correct its course. Educator unions are already leading this fight – and the MTA is calling on school districts to immediately exercise their authority and demand universal masking to protect the health and safety of students, educators and their local communities.

“Children too young to be vaccinated remain at unnecessary risk as part of the DESE plan, as do communities where vaccination rates remain low. This particularly applies to communities of color in Massachusetts which, due to structural racism, have been hit hardest and are suffering the worst consequences of COVID 19. They must be protected.

“As our schools reopen, DESE must prepare for difficult conditions. It will be much easier to remove the restrictions if the circumstances warrant it than to step them up if the risk of coronavirus remains a substantial danger to families.

“The MTA strongly advocates safe face-to-face learning. To ensure that this can happen, we must apply the strictest health and safety practices possible.

“In addition to requiring masking, state and local districts must address the continued need to repair ventilation systems and to monitor and maintain air quality in school buildings. Promotion of vaccines, access to tests and hygiene assurance must remain top priorities.

“By not engaging in constructive dialogue with educators and other stakeholders, DESE sets us up for another chaotic school year and increases the likelihood that schools will be forced to close again. This must change – and it must change at present. “