*Insert SC Senator Name Here*

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It has come to my attention that Governor Henry McMaster is encouraging school districts in South Carolina to disregard DHEC and CDC recommendations and return to a full, five-day-a-week, face-to-face schedule. The only other option available to parents is a completely remote learning environment. Governor McMaster has said that he will not approve any plan from a district that does not include the full face-to-face schedule for which he has called. This is reckless and dangerous. Furthermore, it shows little regard for your constituents who are teachers, parents, and students. These individuals are not political pawns; they are human beings.  

 

Therefore, it is with utmost respect and urgency that I encourage you to advocate for South Carolina to use DHEC guidance in planning for the return to school. In doing so, this will allow districts to prioritize student and staff safety. Districts should be allowed to temporarily eliminate face-to-face instruction until disease activity in the school area is within safe parameters as defined by DHEC. With the increasing number of COVID-19 infections, especially in persons within school age, we simply must act. 

 

Governor Henry McMaster's failed leadership has driven South Carolina to third in the world for COVID-19 cases. He is now willingly risking the lives of South Carolina teachers and students.  It is time to act.