INTERVIEWS: Press Conference will feature leaders of the Students First Coalition (private school associations), the American Academy of Pediatrics, LA Schools Uprising (public school parent group), teachers, and students.

L.A. County is the only county in America that did not allow students to return to school last fall and continues to be more restrictive than the state in not allowing students to return to their campuses. Labor negotiations between the public schools and their unions are slowing the process of reopening ALL schools. The Students First Coalition, parent groups, the American Academy of Pediatrics, teachers, and students want schools opened now. The mountain of data and research indicates that schools are the safest place for kids, especially when they follow simple health protocols. Moreover, students (particularly adolescents) are suffering high rates of mental health issues as well as the stunting of their educational and social development. They need to be back in school with their teachers and classmates and proper health protocols now! 

L.A. County has hundreds of independent and private schools, and unlike some of their public counterparts, have the ability and desire to reopen safely and responsibly. Private and independent schools have invested in safety protocols, PPE, and have prepared their campuses to safely open, however, are denied the opportunity to because of L.A. County and the state’s restrictions.