For immediate release
March 5, 2021 Media contact: Anna Bakalis / 213-305-9654
91% YES: UTLA members overwhelmingly unite behind a safe return
LOS ANGELES — UTLA members have voted overwhelmingly to resist a premature and unsafe physical return to school sites. Over five days of voting March 1 through 5 conducted by Integrity Voting Systems, 24,580 ballots were cast, with 91% Yes ballots (22,480) and 9% No (2,100).
“This vote signals that in these most trying times, our members will not accept a rushed return that would endanger the safety of educators, students, and families,” UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz said.
The vote result means members remain committed to distance learning until the three safety criteria are met:
- LA County is out of the purple tier
- Staff are either fully vaccinated or provided access to full vaccination
- Safety conditions are in place at our schools including PPE, physical distancing, improved ventilation, and daily cleaning
“Last March when educators first closed our classrooms and offices, we didn’t know that a year later we would still be physically separated from the students and communities we love,” Myart-Cruz said. “It has been a painful and difficult year for everyone. As much as CONTINUE READING: UTLA Votes Overwhelmingly to Demand Safe Schools Before Returning to Work | Diane Ravitch's blog