Many Arkansas Teachers Refuse In-Person Classes Amid COVID-19 Concerns
In Little Rock, Arkansas, more than a hundred teachers didn't show up for class on Monday.
Instead, at least 166 instructors represented by Little Rock Education Association say they are concerned about COVID-19 and only willing to teach remotely. Until the district allows for remote-only instruction or increases school safety, they say they will stay home, according to a union statement.
"Our schools are NOT safe. Someone is going to get sick and someone is going to die if we continue in the current manner," association President Teresa Knapp Gordon said in a statement.
The statement detailed a lack of adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines and concerns about the rising number of coronavirus cases.
"This is not a strike," Gordon continued. "We are completely and totally willing to work and serve our students virtually in a manner that keeps everyone safe and alive."
The district, however, isn't budging.
Mike Poore, Little Rock School District superintendent, said in a letter that there are "no plans to close schools."
On Monday, a combination of substitutes, district staff and members of the state CONTINUE READING: Many Arkansas Teachers Refuse In-Person Classes Amid COVID-19 Concerns | 89.3 KPCC