Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was one of the first Governors to reopen schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. DeSantis faced harsh criticism for his decision, with many saying that it was made too hastily and risked the health and safety of children and students.
DeSantis ordered public schools to reopen in August of 2020, just five months after the pandemic wracked the United States and the world. The decision was controversial at the time as many schools did not reopen well in to 2021, and some remained closed in to 2022.
As the pandemic continues to draw to a close, the Governor is once again being proven right.
Last month, the New York Times conducted a survey of 362 school counselors to see how the school closures and restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic affected children in schools. The survey is an indictment of prolonged shutdowns and harsh school restrictions that put children last at the expense of organized interest groups and teacher’s unions.
‘Kids have the highest level of anxiety I’ve ever seen: anxiety about basic safety and fear of what could happen.’ Said one school counselor in Longmont, Colorado.
‘I’ve seen more physical fights this year than in my 15 years combined.’ Another school counselor in Portland, Oregon, said.
A stunning 94 percent of school counselors surveyed said that their students showed more anxiety and depression than they showed before the pandemic.
The survey lists a litany of other problems that have metastasized due to the country’s frenzied response to the pandemic, including trouble focusing on classwork, low self-esteem, and having trouble making new friends.
Worse yet, the CDC colluded with openly partisan teacher’s unions to set a high barrier for schools to reopen rather than consulting parent groups.
There is certainly more information that hasn’t been brought to light about what motivated some states to put children last while allowing so-called ‘super spreader’ events like concerts and conferences with thousands of people. What is clear is that those who put children first will continue to be vindicated with time.
A weak, cowardly society sacrifices its children for the greater good; a strong and healthy society puts children first. DeSantis fought for Florida’s children when it was unpopular to do so and will undoubtedly win big come this November.
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