A group of Washington, D.C., students will host a walkout Tuesday afternoon to protest in-person learning amid the pandemic, advocating for safer conditions and an option for virtual classes.
Among its demands, the newly formed group, Students 4 Safe Learning, argues the district should temporarily transition to virtual learning for the duration of the COVID-19 surge caused by the omicron variant.
“Students are learning in unsafe conditions,” the group wrote in a tweet. “Students feel unsafe. There’s so much stress that comes with not knowing if you’re bringing something home to your family and friends. It all takes a toll on our mental health.”
Before the holiday break, several schools in the District of Columbia Public Schools system transitioned to virtual learning due to a spike in COVID-19 cases among students. However, officials reported a decrease in total case counts over the last two weeks districtwide, indicating a peak on Jan. 9, according to data from the Mayo Clinic.
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After cases begin to dwindle, student organizers say virtual classes should still be made available for students and parents who consider it their “best option.” Additionally, the group argues DCPS officials should be more transparent in their decision-making and prioritize public health procedures to minimize student transmission.
On January 25th boycott, walkout at 12:45, wear #RedForEd, call your schools, demand safe learning conditions for DCPS students. Not a single student should go to school and feel unsafe. Do whatever you need to feel heard. Join us! Protest link in bio! pic.twitter.com/r2aASySZPa
— Students 4 Safe Learning (@stu4safelearn) January 22, 2022
“We aren’t just kids talking to talk,” the group tweeted. “We know that we have to advocate for ourselves and families. We deserve the safest conditions that can be provided and transparency! Health should not be compromised for education.”
These procedures include increased ventilation and weekly deep cleanings of school facilities, the group said. Organizers also request weekly COVID-19 testing for each student and staff member and for KN95 masks to be provided for those who need them.
Under current guidelines, DCPS operates under a testing program that utilizes asymptomatic testing, symptomatic testing, and testing for close contacts. The asymptomatic testing protocols test 10% of students each week, targeting those who are unvaccinated to monitor any outbreaks, according to the school district.
Symptomatic testing is available when students display any “red flag symptoms,” or two COVID-19 symptoms at the same time, while at school. These tests are available daily.
If a student tests positive, they are required to quarantine and will be provided with a DCPS-sponsored device to complete coursework remotely.
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The walkout is scheduled to begin at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, and participants are encouraged to wear red in support of teacher demands that emerged during the pandemic, including paid COVID-19 leave and increased pay for substitute teachers.
Student organizers say their goal is to gain the attention of city officials such as Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the mayor’s office and DCPS officials but did not receive a response.
