“Trump's
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany raised eyebrows Thursday after
claiming stating that scientific data ‘should not stand in the way of’
reopening schools and falsely claiming that scientific consensus currently
backs a full reopening. ‘The science should not stand in the way of this,’ said
McEnany, noting that Trump had expressed his wish that schools reopen, and that
‘when he says open, he means open and full, kids being able to attend each and
every day.’
“McEnany
continued by claiming that a study from the Journal of the American
Medical Association of 46 pediatricians proved that ‘the science is on
our side here’ on reopening and that the U.S. would be following the example of
all other western nations which are planning on reopening schools.
“Critics
fired back that McEnany was not being entirely truthful. ‘As you're
misinterpreting the science, you are making the opposite point,’ tweeted writer Sarah Hutto.The U.S is
nowhere near getting the virus under control—due in large part to the
president's
“The
press secretary is not the first White House official in recent days to claim
that reopening schools is a major priority for the president. On Tuesday, Vice
President Mike Pence declared that the administration does not
want Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance ‘to be a reason
why people don't reopen their schools.’
“As
the Washington Post reported, assurances from the White House are
not having their intended effect: Despite the administration's urging,
municipalities across the country have delayed or canceled in-person classes
for the fall, citing the recent spike in coronavirus cases and the ongoing risk
to students, parents, teachers, and other staff.
“Safety
concerns around reopening schools continue to cause controversy as teachers and
concerned parents are increasingly at odds with federal, state, and local
leaders who are urging a return to the classroom. As Common Dreams reported, the National Academy of
Sciences released a report Wednesday calling for ‘significant resources’
committed by the federal government to reopen schools around the country.
“Progressive
activist Doug Garrison suggested solidarity between parents and teachers in the
face of unsafe reopening plans. ‘Teachers should strike,’ Garrison
tweeted. ‘Parents should stand with them’” (Common Dreams).
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