In early February 2021, the CDC released its guidelines for operating schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the release of these guidelines, President Joe Biden in early March, showed his support for the push of vaccinations amongst all teachers, staff, and childhood workers during each states vaccine rollouts. With more teachers and staff getting vaccinated, schools around the country are now moving forward with the next phases in their reopening plans. However, a large number of families are still opting for virtual learning, many of these students are predominantly students of color.

March 2020 marked the start of troubling times for everyone around the world. With Covid-19 rapidly spreading, businesses, schools, and other services were shut down and moved into virtual spaces. Essential workers risked their lives daily to keep the cities running. Through the rise of coronavirus cases, the racial and social class inequities present in America were exposed. Black, Brown, and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC) were bearing the brunt of existing health inequities, as their communities were at an increased risk of getting Covid-19. Yet again BIPOC were faced with losing their family members and close friends due to the effects of institutionalized racism.

The inequities exposed by Covid-19 go beyond healthcare. Another institution that contributes to systemic racism is the public education system. For years schools have set policies that directly put Black and Brown students at risk. Due to policies like Zero Tolerance, BIPOC students have endured higher suspension rates that have contributed to higher dropout rates and even incarceration. There is a large achievement gap between BIPOC and White students, and these gaps stem from highly underfunded schools and communities. Students have been victim to not receiving the proper materials and resources needed for success. These inequities have led to mistrust by the BIPOC communities. The CDC released data from a survey taken during the summer of 2020 that showed 62.3 percent of White families were in favor of reopening schools compared to the 46 percent of Black families. Those in marginalized groups are concerned with the safety of these reopenings. Members of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities are three times more likely to be hospitalized for Covid-19, and two times more likely to die compared to members of White families. BIPOC families also tend to reside in multigenerational tight-spaced homes. Mothers are now worried about their children contracting and bringing home the virus, to then deal with the harsh realities of vulnerable family members getting sick.

Although districts have come out with their plans for a safe reopening, many families do not trust them. Time and time again cities and districts have left their schools underfunded and in deep need of help. Before Covid-19 even reached American cities, these schools were already in poor conditions. Schools in low-income communities have the reality of leaks in their roofs, poor ventilation, mold and mildew problems, and bad plumbing. Coronavirus is an airborne virus, which underscores the need for  proper ventilation and air quality in schools. The CDC in their guidelines for reoperation of schools, note the importance of air circulation in classrooms. This becomes a worry especially in schools where poor air ventilation is already an issue. Opening windows was a suggestion made by the CDC however, many schools simply cannot open windows because of safety measures and rust that has formed on the window frames making them difficult to open. Parents now pose the question of how schools can assure safe measures when their buildings are already old and in need of repairs?

Public schools in America have consistently failed students of color. Putting in place policies that funnel students from classrooms into prisons, that routinely underfund public schools, and that minimize the knowledge and lived experience of Black and Brown children, has understandably led to BIPOC parents to become weary of sending their children  back to the classroom in such a critical time. The American system as a whole has continuously failed these groups. Although opening schools can help those students who reside in shelters, and families who rely on schools as childcare. It is important to realize how it also works as a disadvantage as it puts them in direct harm if schools are not taking the proper precautions. Schools need to figure out a way to get students back in school that does not potentially harm Black, Latinx, and Indigenous bodies.

As of March 17, 2021, the U.S. government has stated that it will be allocating $10 billion to schools for Covid-19 testing. The plan is to increase nationwide testing and encourage the reopening of schools. Testing is also meant to help ease the concerns of teachers and parents. Most states around the US are prioritizing educators for vaccinations. Screening upon arrival to school is suggested by the CDC, but not mandatory.

Angelica Fernandez is a senior majoring in Political Science, minoring in Human Rights, and in the Public Policy certificate program. She is currently an Eva Kastan Grove Fellow working with the Director of Student Life on the Racial Equity taskforce at Hunter. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school to focus on educational advocacy and policy. Her career goal is to be an advocate for the public and address the growing issues of systemic inequalities within the American education system.