Educational Secretary Miguel Cardona asserts that schools must not shut down due to COVID-19 surges and expresses concern about excessive government intervention.
Cardona, in an interview with The Associated Press, stated, “I am apprehensive about government overreach and the imposition of mandates that result in school closures due to fear or infection.”
Despite the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, Cardona emphasized that “schools should remain open, no ifs or buts,” as reported by the AP.
Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a rise in hospitalizations and COVID-19 related deaths, although the figures remained significantly lower compared to the peak of the pandemic.
At the start of the academic year, a few schools had to temporarily close due to staff contracting COVID-19 and a shortage of educators.
Cardona further commented that in-person instruction “must not be sacrificed for ideological reasons,” emphasizing the detrimental impact of school closures on community connections.
Recently, the CDC approved new vaccines to combat COVID-19, and the Biden administration announced the distribution of free COVID-19 tests to interested individuals.
The interview also addressed Cardona’s views on legacy admissions, a practice in which universities give preference to the children of alumni or major donors, typically benefiting affluent or white applicants.
While Cardona acknowledges that it is ultimately the schools’ decision, he believes that the Department of Education can employ measures to discourage this practice.
Cardona stated to the AP, “As Secretary of Education, I will explore all possible avenues to ensure that institutions delivering value, particularly those receiving financial aid and loans, are prioritized.”
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