Schools in Little Rock, Arkansas, are slated to be open for in-person classes — but the city’s teacher’s union announced on Sunday that staff will not be in attendance.
The Little Rock Education Association said that teachers will be present to teach online classes but said educators will not be physically present in schools. The union voted on Thursday evening to stop showing up for in-person instruction because they believe the schools are not safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
“If we do not transition to virtual instruction now, someone is going to get sick. Someone is going to die,” union President Teresa Knapp Gordon said in a statement. “We will not be responsible for that happening.”
The union stated that 37% of sites within the district had reported that schools were not being properly cleaned and sanitized. They also reported that many teachers and students were either not wearing masks or improperly wearing masks throughout the day.
The Little Rock School District announced in a letter to parents on Sunday that the district would be open with busing and meals provided as usual. The district noted that they expect their “dedicated teaching staff to be present,” but noted that they would be bringing in substitute teachers, as well. The district also threatened “disciplinary action” against teachers who were not present for in-person instruction.
The union made it clear that its decision was not a strike.
“This is not a strike. This is not a work stoppage. We are completely and totally willing to work and serve our students virtually in a manner that keeps everyone safe and alive,” the union said.
The Little Rock Education Association says teachers will only do virtual learning starting tomorrow. This is not a strike, but a work stoppage. LREA President Teresa Knapp Gordon says they will not be responsible for anyone getting sick or dying. Full letter >>> pic.twitter.com/WjPKZN5xrF
— Ashley Godwin (@ashley_godwin) September 28, 2020
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, condemned the union’s decision and noted that the state has a declining positivity rate for coronavirus infections.
“We have had a good start to this school year, and we have handled the expected challenges with the well-being of our students and teachers as the highest priority. With a declining positivity rate in Pulaski County and with the safety measures in place, it is difficult to understand the resistance to teaching in the classroom,” Hutchinson said.
Schools have been open in Little Rock since late August.
