Parents and students held a rally in downtown Buffalo Sunday demanding that all students have access to in-person learning hoping to get their message to state and school district leaders.

According to WIVB-TV parents demonstrated in front of the Rath Building making the point that this is not about partially opening schools, or having certain grade levels back, they want every student to have the option to be in the classroom.

Parents spoke about their frustrations and concerns about not being able to give their children the education at home that they learn in school.

If malls and restaurants are open, schools should be open too commented a student attending the rally saying she should be allowed in class.

Organizers of the rally (Western New York Students First) say they believe the right thing to do is for district leaders to develop a strategy to return students to the classroom.

Jonathon Rich, a member of WNY Students First said...

“Really it’s about sending a message to engage leaders that we’re here and this is what we’re seeing and to leaders who feel like they need support, we’re here to say we are a group of parents who understand the seriousness of COVID but also understand the seriousness that comes from a lack of education and mental health issues.”

 

The group is talking to other school districts in New York State hoping to replicate their reopenings and is also calling on the Erie County Department of Health to work with the state to create a plan to fully reopen schools.

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