WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 10, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) Director Jessica Giles released the following statement today in response to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s COVID-19 Situational Update:
“I applaud Mayor Bowser for requiring DC government employees, including DCPS staff, paid contractors, grantees, and interns of the District to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or undergo weekly testing. I also support similar requirements for DC public charter school staff, teachers, contractors, and grantees to protect all DC children and families.
One of the greatest threats to Black lives over this past year has been the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately infected and killed Black people and communities of color. Making matters worse, we learned today that 10% of new COVID cases are now being diagnosed in children between the ages of 5 and 14 years. This is a public health crisis and a social justice crisis, but we can save lives by getting vaccinated.
Following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention every DC resident over the age of 12 years old should be vaccinated from COVID-19 and, in areas of substantial or high transmission, wear masks in public indoor settings.
Mandating vaccinations is not only the right thing to do, but it is highly popular among DC residents. Education Reform Now Advocacy’s latest poll shows DC voters overwhelmingly support vaccine requirements for DCPS and public charter employees—86% and 85% respectively, with 89% of voters expressing concern over the latest COVID-19 variants.
By getting vaccinated we can protect our students and our communities. Everyone must rise to the occasion to ensure our students have a healthy, safe, and strong school year.”
About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) works to recruit, educate, and help elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. Education Reform Now Advocacy is a partner organization of DFER DC.
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