When it came time for my partner and me to make the decision about sending our children back to in-person schooling, we deliberated for about a week. Our family is culturally diverse; I identify as Black, and my partner is of Sri Lankan descent, making our children mixed. With my partner’s background as a former sixth-grade teacher and my extensive experience in the nonprofit educational sector, we were eager to have our kids return to the classroom. We believed that if it was safe for teachers, staff, and students during the COVID-19 pandemic, we would proceed with that plan. We carefully reviewed our district’s reopening strategy, discussed the situation with our kids, and prayed for guidance.
Ultimately, we decided on a hybrid model, where our children attend school two days a week and learn from home the other three. While we didn’t explicitly verbalize it, we recognized the importance of our kids being back in their classrooms. However, many Black families across the nation have made a different choice, opting to keep their children home full-time as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. As various communities and school districts gamble with political decisions regarding school reopenings, Black communities continue to bear the weight of systemic racial inequalities.
The impact of this virus has been harsh, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. The U.S. Department of Health reports that Black individuals are significantly more likely to have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to severe health complications. In our family, my partner has diabetes, making the decision to send our kids back to school potentially life-threatening. With over 225,000 lives lost in the U.S. and tens of thousands of new cases reported daily, it’s understandable that Black families are apprehensive.
A recent article from Chalkbeat highlights that Black and Latino parents are generally more hesitant about returning to in-person schooling compared to their white counterparts, reflecting the disproportionate toll of the pandemic on these communities. In many cases, the hardest-hit neighborhoods consist of people of color, making the choice to keep children at home, although difficult, a clear one. Sending a child back to school poses a risk not only to them but also to vulnerable family members, such as grandparents or aunts with underlying health issues.
When a Black family decides on distance learning to minimize their exposure to this dangerous virus, they are making a choice that has not always been accessible to them. They are prioritizing their health in the best way they can, especially in light of significant racial disparities in healthcare access. According to US News, a survey revealed that around 13.7% of adults aged 18 to 64 were uninsured in early 2019, with racial disparities showing higher rates among Hispanic and Black adults. My family is fortunate to have health insurance, allowing us to seek medical assistance without financial worries, a privilege not shared by many.
Black parents are understandably prioritizing safety for their families over the traditional classroom experience. Nonetheless, health concerns are just one part of the equation; systemic issues like racial discrimination in schools also play a role. For instance, a 2013 Brown Center Report indicated that in one California school district, 235 out of every 1,000 Black students faced out-of-school suspensions, exacerbating educational inequities.
The decision to keep Black children at home is a matter of life and death, balancing the need for safety from COVID-19 while also navigating the complexities of educational access. While we opted for a hybrid approach, I fully comprehend why some Black families see no alternative. It is a challenging decision, weighing health against the education system we have long fought to be part of.
Ultimately, every family must make choices that align with their unique circumstances, carefully evaluating the available options. Parents frequently face tough decisions, and families of color often encounter challenges that others may not fully appreciate. As we navigate the ongoing pandemic, the ability to make informed decisions that safeguard our families has never been more crucial.
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Potential Search Queries:
- Why are Black families choosing remote learning?
- Impact of COVID-19 on Black families and education.
- Racial disparities in school discipline.
- Health concerns for Black families during the pandemic.
- Hybrid learning models: Pros and cons for Black households.
In summary, the decision for Black families to keep their children home from school during the pandemic is heavily influenced by health concerns, systemic racial inequalities, and the need for safety. Each family must navigate these choices based on their unique circumstances, prioritizing what is best for their loved ones.
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