Some Detroit school teachers are not happy with a plan to return to the classroom this month during the COVID-19 pandemic. They took part in a car caravan protest on Monday.
Last month, members of the Detroit Federation of Teachers voted to authorize a “safety strike” if the Detroit Public Schools Community District didn’t “implement basic science-based safety protocols before schools reopen during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.”
But last week, the district and its teachers union reached an agreement on a return to school plan which includes online and in-person instruction.
Organizers of yesterday’s protest say some teachers are feeling pressured to resume in-person classes.
“There might not be anyone saying 'you have to go in-person,' but there are different ways you feel pressured,” says art teacher Yexenia Vanegas.
Last week, superintendent Nikolai Vitti described the reopening plan as a way to best serve Detroit school children while ensuring the safety of school employees.
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