Florida Education Association Sues to Keep Schools Closed

Amid the recent controversy surrounding the decision of whether to reopen Florida’s schools at the end of August, The Florida Education Association, a union representing 145,000 educators, filed a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s Department of Education in their own attempt to stop that from happening. The lawsuit argues Florida’s plan to reopen schools is unsafe due to the coronavirus pandemic, and therefore violates the state constitution.

“The Florida Constitution mandates ‘[a]dequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools,'” the lawsuit says. “The Defendants’ unconstitutional handling of their duties has infringed upon this mandate and requires the courts to issue necessary and appropriate relief.”

The lawsuit demands Florida “develop and implement an online instruction plan aimed at all children and to make internet connectivity and computer devices available to all students … so that they can meaningfully engage in virtual instruction until it is safe to reopen brick and mortar schools.”

It also demands that when schools reopen, they be stocked with personal protective equipment for employees and students, comply with CDC guidelines on physical distancing and “install sufficient hand-sanitizing stations.”