Teachers unions call on state to order all schools to go virtual
MADISON, Wis. - Representatives of teachers unions in Wisconsin gathered in Madison on Wednesday, Sept. 30 to call on DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to order all K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to move to virtual instruction with no face-to-face instruction.
Outside the Wisconsin DHS building in Madison, union leaders said instruction should be held virtually until community spread of the COVID-19 virus is contained.
"Secretary Palm still has the power to close schools to slow the spread and to protect students and their families," said Andy Waity, President of Madison Teachers, Inc. (MTI).
The Urban Educator Unions represented included the Milwaukee Teacher's Education Association (MTEA). They brought several demands.
"Upon reopening, DHS should coordinate with local public health authorities to conduct regular inspections," said Andy Mizialko with MTEA.
Speakers said the move would protect schools, teachers and families.
"We cannot rely on individuals to make good decisions in a pandemic," Mizialko said.
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FOX6 News sent the union demands to the Wisconsin DHS for a response, but has not heard back.
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