School Districts across the United States face a difficult decision on returning for the Fall term. The rise of the COVID-19 cases has recently peaked up to 57,942 additional cases and 282 additional deaths across the United States.
What we know:
- States such as New York, California, Florida, and Texas have shown extremely high cases and fear that it can get worst once schools open across the United States for the fall. On a recent interview, Donald Trump threatened the School Districts if they do not “fully reopen” he will begin cutting funds with the following statement:
“In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families.”
- However, School Districts in California have defied the president’s order to go back to normal. Los Angeles and San Diego currently hold 825,000 students and announced on Monday that classes would be held online only in the fall.
- The fear of the pandemic has scared thousands of education staff as well as students to go back for the fall. However, not all the states are defying Donald Trump’s threat. Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has said the following when asked about the reopening on schools in Florida:
“If fast food and Walmart and Home Depot- and, look, I do all that, so I’m not looking down on it- but if all that is essential, then educating our kids is absolutely essential.”
- According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump, as well as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, are not allowed to cut federal funding without notifying Congress. Due to many attempts before Congress has eventually denied the cut of funding and it is expected to shut it again if Donald Trump were to try.
The ongoing pandemic that has claimed the lives of 138,000 and the United States currently holds a record of 3.43M confirmed cases. Currently, there is no cure for COVID-19, but one is expected in early 2021.
