x
Breaking News
More () »

'Stop negotiating safety' | Supporters rally for a safe return to school

Indivisible East Tennessee and Black Coffee Justice held a demonstration demanding Knox County Schools go virtual until there are no new cases for two weeks.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the workday came to an end on Monday,  signs lined the Andrew Johnson Building and those behind the poster board had a message.

"I'm out here because I think we need to keep our students and teachers safe," retired Knox County teacher Jane Skinner said. 

"I'm really concerned that our numbers are rising as high as they are right now," she said. 

It is a view Indivisible East Tennessee's Nathan Higdon said is the reason behind the rally.

"Contrary to anyone's belief, we want kids to go back to school but we want them virtual for 14 days with no new cases," Higdon said. 

His organization and Black Coffee Justice teamed up to host the demonstration. He said while virtual is not the perfect solution it is the safest option for now.

"From the conversations, we've had with teachers they seem to be afraid," he said. 

For that reason, Higdon said people had to speak up and while not everyone wanted to show their faces, some wanted you to hear their voices.

"We're here because we are American citizens and it's our duty to protect each other just being aware and civil to each other," one person said. 

"Teachers fall into a category where many of them will be affected and if we lose what will happen after that," another person said. "Teachers don't really have a voice and people who can should speak for them..it's important to us."

RELATED: Teachers weighing risks of heading back to classroom, some not returning

RELATED: More than 18,000 Knox County Schools students enroll for virtual learning

RELATED: Knox County seniors go up the Sunsphere for Knox 2020 Prom in the Sky

RELATED: "They could be challenged" | School COVID-19 liability waivers, disclaimers and the legality of both

RELATED: Knox Co. school bus drivers prepare for rides with new COVID-19 safety precautions

RELATED: 'We knew it was a challenge, but we couldn't let that be an excuse' | Summer internships go virtual

RELATED: "It's an issue of equity" | Thousands of students will learn online but internet barriers still exist

RELATED: TDOE: Child Wellbeing Task Force releases initial COVID-19 impact report

RELATED: Answers to parent questions about the Knox County Schools virtual learning option

RELATED: Knox County Schools parents talk about signing up for virtual school, barriers and answers






Before You Leave, Check This Out