Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took aim at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a fiery speech in which he highlighted his state’s commitment to keeping schools open.
“What the CDC put out, 5:00 p.m. on a Friday afternoon, I wonder why they would do it then, was quite frankly a disgrace. It would require, if you actually follow that, closing 90% of schools in the United States,” DeSantis said. “We are open, we remain open, and we are not turning back.”
The updated CDC guidance features a color-coded system that recommends basing school opening decisions on the extent of community spread in the area.
Districts in the red zone would face the most restrictions, with only elementary schools remaining open while middle and high schools would be forced to close to in-person instruction.
But DeSantis said the updated guidelines go against the available science, instead highlighting Florida’s success with in-person instruction.
“We’ve been open the whole time, since August. We had kids doing camps and athletics and all that over the summer, and we’ve been in-person as much as anybody in the country, and yet, we are 34th out of 50 states and D.C. for COVID-19 cases on a per capita basis for children. Thirty-three states have more cases per capita than Florida children, and many of those don’t have a lot of in-person instruction in school.”
DeSantis slammed Democrats for putting “unions” and “special interests” ahead of the well-being of the nation’s school-aged children.
“It does not require another $100 billion. The school reopening plan that makes the most sense if you want to open schools, open them. Open the door. Let them come in and let them learn,” DeSantis said. “The only reason that is not happening across this country like it is in Florida … It’s one reason and one reason only. Because the Democratic Party puts the interests of education unions and special interests ahead of the well-being of our children and of our families.”
Florida schools are open, and every parent has the right to send their kids to school for in-person instruction. Those who insist on keeping the schoolhouse doors closed are ignoring evidence and placing special interests ahead of the best interests of children and families. pic.twitter.com/DG9iUuKMlc
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 15, 2021
