CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With public schools around the state already open, or about to begin, some parents are demanding a remote learning option, because of continuing COVID-19 concerns.
Outside the Thompson Center, Jianan Shi, executive director of the group Raise Your Hand, led the call for the Chicago Public Schools and other districts to listen to the parents worried about the spike in coronavirus cases.
"We have a petition totally over 5,000 signatures demanding that the Illinois State Board of Education and local district provide a remote learning option for families, especially those who are under 12 and cannot be vaccinated," Shi said.
Leona Savinon, a parent at Chicago’s Jose de Diego Community Academy, grew emotional as she said CPS policies are unsafe.
"Please do what's right to protect our children. We need to demand remote learning options for families that are not ready. Not everybody is vaccinated. These children deserve to be protected!" Savinon said.
Jennifer Baez, a parent in Humboldt Park, said Chicago Public Schools officials aren’t giving good answers about keeping kids safe.
"An air purifier and hand sanitizer is not sufficient. We need real protocols," Baez said.
Parent Cortney Ritsema said she tried and failed to get her daughter into CPS’ Virtual Academy because of severe asthma.
"I will be keeping them home and I will be requesting work from their teachers. I will continue to fight for a remote option. That's my plan so far," she said.
Hundreds of parents threaten to do likewise.
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