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Amidst a deadly pandemic, the Detroit School Board & Superintendent Vitti want to send Detroit students and teachers back into the classroom on September 8th. Detroit teachers are responding by threatening to strike. Detroit DSA says "NO!" and stands in solidarity with Detroit teachers and students demanding virtual classrooms this Fall.

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Regular disinvestment in Detroit Public Schools has led to poor building conditions like rampant mold, poor ventilation, and unclean water; annual budget cuts reduced the staffing of in-school healthcare professionals and outsourced custodial services that failed to provide clean classrooms. DPS can't even provide adequate supplies for its staff and students—how does the district expect to provide adequate PPE, temperature testing, and sanitizing materials?

The risk of infection hasn't subsided either. Just this weekend, there were hundreds of new cases in Detroit with residents dying every day from COVID-19. Detroit teachers and students have the highest rates of asthma and lung problems in the state making them high risk for infection.

Many wealthier, whiter districts have made the call to stay safe and start virtually. Why hasn't DPS?

This is more than just a difference of opinion. This is a school district that is growing increasingly detached from Detroit students' and teachers' reality. A school district that’s so afraid of losing students to neighboring schools that it’s willing to risk the lives of black and brown children, their teachers, and their families. This isn't just a problem with DPS, it's telling of a system that values profits over people, where black and brown lives are dispensable and undeserving of the same privileges bestowed on wealthier and whiter districts.

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Today at 5:30PM, Detroit DSA will show up to pack the online Detroit School Board Meeting to demand a virtual start for DPS students and teachers. Will you join us?

How you can support Detroit teachers and students:

1. Join the Detroit School Board Meeting today at 5:30PM.

2. Make a public statement at the meeting. Not sure what to say? Use this resource here.

3. Change your profile pic to show your support for Detroit teachers & students. Download here.

4. Share the event with your family and friends. Facebook event.

5. Keep an eye out for future emails about upcoming actions.

Finally ready to make the leap to become a dues-paying member of Detroit DSA? Join here today!

In solidarity,

Metro Detroit DSA Communications Committee

http://www.metrodetroitdsa.com/