ICYMI: Jill Biden Hosts Virtual Listening Session in Virginia on Safe Re-Opening for Schools

From the Joe Biden for President campaign:

ICYMI: Jill Biden Hosts Virtual Listening Session in Virginia on Safe Re-Opening for Schools

Today, Jill Biden held a virtual listening session on Joe Biden’s plan for an effective and safe re-opening with educators, students, and parents in Virginia.

Joined by Congressman Donald McEachin, Biden heard from Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, Henrico County Board of Supervisors Member Pastor Tyrone Nelson, as well as a parent, teacher, guidance counselor, and student from nearby schools. Community members discussed the struggles they’ve experienced while learning and teaching through the coronavirus pandemic, as well as what is needed to be able to safely and effectively return back to a healthy school environment.

“If there’s one thing that we’ve seen in this crisis, it’s that schools are not just places where our children learn, but they are safe spaces where students find counsel and purpose and friendship. And they give parents the ability to focus on their careers and support their families, knowing that their children are safe. And yet this crisis has shown the deep inequities in our system, especially for children of color. While all students struggle to adjust to remote learning, you know, children of color are more likely to lack the technology they need to succeed. These education obstacles reflect the broader injustice the black community faces, along with higher rates of unemployment, poorer health outcomes, and of course, unequal treatment by our criminal justice system. Racism institutionalized,” said Jill Biden before hearing from members of the community.

“Safety, opportunity, and education should not be dependent on your race or your zip code. And that’s why it’s so important that, you know, we get this right, we get this reopening of our schools right. A generation of students, families and educators are counting on all of us to prevent the spread of this virus and empower them to grow and invest in their future. Our future. And Joe understands that.”