CHICAGO, Ill. –Chicago Public Schools canceled classes Wednesday after the teachers union voted to switch to remote learning due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the latest development in an ongoing fight over safety protocols in the nation’s third-largest school district.
The City of Chicago rejected a districtwide return to remote learning, saying it threatens students’ learning and mental health. But, Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey said conditions were not safe enough for students and staff to return.
Students were in class on Monday after a two-week winter break with COVID infections and hospitalizations at record levels.
The Teachers Union voted 73% in favor of remote instruction, until “cases substantially subside” or the union approves an agreement for safety protocols with the school district.
