Roy Blunt: Get the kids back in school

Nearly a year ago, kitchen tables turned into classrooms as concerns about the coronavirus pandemic led to schools closing.

Educators quickly shifted to teaching lessons virtually and parents worked to keep their kids engaged and active.

Unfortunately, being away from friends, classmates, and daily routines for an extended period of time is hurting students. Prolonged remote learning is putting kids at risk of falling behind, failing classes, and suffering from mental health problems. For students with disabilities, minorities, and those in underserved areas, that risk is even greater.

Throughout his campaign, President Biden repeatedly said he would listen to scientists and health experts when it came to tackling the pandemic. 

  

Here’s what scientists are saying about getting kids back in their classrooms:

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, President Biden’s own CDC director, said earlier this month that there was “increasing data that schools can safely reopen” even if teachers haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said “I would back the CDC recommendations because that is really based on data … we need to try and get the children back to school.”

Dr. David Rosen, assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Washington University in St. Louis, said, “There is no situation in which schools can’t be open unless they have evidence of in-school transmission.”

But instead of “following the science” as he often said he would – President Biden is ignoring it.

Recently, I offered an amendment to the budget bill that would have incentivized school districts to get kids back into school after teachers have been vaccinated. Those vaccines are even a step beyond what the CDC says is necessary.

Every single Senate Democrat voted against it.

That vote made one thing very clear: this isn’t about safety, and it’s not about science; it’s pure politics, and kids are paying the price.

We need to put students first. We need to do what’s best for their education and well-being while taking steps to ensure their safety.

As a former high school history teacher and university president, I know that educators overcome challenges every day. Teachers want to help kids learn, and they know that won’t happen again until students are back at their desks. We must reopen schools now.