During the Thanksgiving weekend, Mayor John Smith made a big announcement regarding the reopening of New York City schools for pre-K through fifth grade and for students with special needs. While some residents celebrated this news, it’s important to recognize that for a significant portion of NYC public school students—approximately 74% who remain fully remote—the reopening has minimal impact. In certain neighborhoods, that figure rises to nearly 80%. Reports indicate that the families choosing not to return to in-person schooling are predominantly families of color, the very same communities that have suffered disproportionately from COVID-19.
When officials declare, “We’re reopening the schools,” it appears they are primarily referring to white students. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that people of color face higher rates of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and fatalities. These disparities stem from various factors, including lower socioeconomic status, which limits access to healthcare and increases the prevalence of underlying health conditions. Furthermore, many individuals from these communities work in essential jobs, exposing them to greater risks daily.
Communities hardest hit by the pandemic are understandably the least likely to send their children back to school. This has resulted in a bifurcated education system, where white families celebrate their children’s return to classrooms while families of color continue with remote learning. Is this truly a moment for celebration?
Remote learning poses unique challenges, especially for families in marginalized communities. Access to reliable internet and devices is often limited, and many students lack the necessary tools for effective virtual education. In my previous experience as a teacher in NYC, it was evident that students from families of color were less likely to have the technology that is more readily available in predominantly white households.
Moreover, these families often reside in smaller homes with numerous occupants, making it difficult for children to find suitable spaces for learning. I recall students who would do their homework on public transit because their home environments were too distracting.
The irony is that those who most depend on the resources schools provide—such as childcare and meals—are also the ones most apprehensive about the rising COVID cases. The schools in these neighborhoods are often overcrowded and less equipped to handle health crises, which further complicates the decision to return to in-person education.
The city must confront these pressing issues and innovate solutions. While not every problem can be resolved, these are crucial topics the mayor should address publicly. He shouldn’t take pride in reopening schools for just 26% of the student population. What measures are being taken to enhance remote learning? Where is the acknowledgment for the majority of children who remain at home?
An existing achievement gap between predominantly white schools and those in Black neighborhoods is already significant. The disparities in graduation rates, GPAs, and college acceptance rates are evident from an early age and tend to worsen over time. The current situation exacerbates this divide, with white students attending school in a safe environment while their Black peers struggle to keep up with their studies from home. When in-person education resumes, how will schools help these children catch up?
Mayor Smith seems to accept that in-person learning is superior, yet he considers the challenges of remote education as something that will resolve itself with time. While a vaccine may be on the horizon, the reality is that the current two-tiered system will persist until the pandemic concludes.
What support is being offered to the students navigating online learning? This neglect is unacceptable. Every educator’s responsibility is to advocate for every student on their roster and to ensure that all children succeed. Celebrating the return of predominantly white students while ignoring the struggles of the majority who are left behind is a blatant injustice.
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- How does NYC’s school reopening affect students of color?
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Summary:
The reopening of NYC schools predominantly serves white students, leaving many families of color facing ongoing challenges with remote learning. While some celebrate the return to in-person classes, the majority of public school children remain at home, highlighting existing disparities in education and access to resources. The city must address these inequities and provide support for all students, especially those in underserved communities.