The American Academy of Pediatrics Disagrees with the Trump Administration about Reopening Schools

“After the Trump administration used the American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement pushing for ‘having students physically’ in classrooms to justify its campaign to fully reopen schools—and possibly withhold funding from those that remain closed—the AAP openly disagreed with the administration Friday in a new statement that argues schools ‘must pursue reopening in a way that is safe for all students, teachers and staff.’

“President Donald Trump and his administration have pushed for all schools to physically reopen in the fall despite surging cases of Covid-19, with the president threatening to withhold federal funding from those that don’t and saying Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that outline how to reopen more safely are ‘impractical.’

“To justify their insistence on reopening schools at all cost amid mounting push back, the Trump administration has specifically highlighted AAP guidance that says ‘all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.’

“In a new statement released with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the AAP says that while ‘returning to school is important for the healthy development and well-being of children,’ plans should be made safely and in conjunction with public health experts.

“‘Schools in areas with high levels of COVID-19 community spread should not be compelled to reopen against the judgment of local experts,’ the organizations said, arguing a ‘one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate’ for the reopening plans.

“The statement also specifically refutes the president’s suggestion that funding should be withheld from schools that don’t reopen full-time, saying that would be a ‘misguided approach’ that puts ‘already financially strapped schools in an impossible position that would threaten the health of students and teachers.’

“‘Science should drive decision-making on safely reopening schools. Public health agencies must make recommendations based on evidence, not politics,’ the statement notes. ‘We should leave it to health experts to tell us when the time is best to open up school buildings, and listen to educators and administrators to shape how we do it.’…” (Forbes).