WREN Statement on Paid Leave and School Reopening
by WREN Staff on Jul 15, 2020
This morning Governor Henry McMaster convened a press conference with leaders from the South Carolina General Assembly to address school reopening in the Fall. The Governor and others emphasized the importance of choice in deciding whether students have in-person instruction or continue virtual learning. However, without guaranteed paid leave from their jobs, parents do not have a real choice.
When Governor McMaster emphasizes school reopening without a plan for paid leave, he forces parents to make an impossible choice between the health and safety of their kids, and their economic livelihood. Furthermore, there was no clear plan provided for schools to reopen, including a lack of discussion around a safety plan or any precautions to help ensure the virus doesn’t spread. This pandemic is real and parents must be supported to provide for and protect the health of their children. Pre-coronavirus, some parents sent sick children to school because they did not have paid leave. This is not the flu; this is not a cold. COVID-19 poses a far greater risk to children, teachers, staff, and everyone who interacts with them.
The best way South Carolina can support parents is to guarantee their ability to secure paid leave.
We are committed to working toward paid leave for all South Carolinians through actions at the state and federal levels.
Watch the press conference below: