Amherst, NY (WBEN) Parents are suing the Clarence Central School District to get the district to reopen full time. A group of parents has formed an organization called Coalition of Clarence Parents to Put Students First Inc., which has the support of hundreds of parents and students within the district.
"We appreciate that the school has been diligent in its efforts to keep students safe from COVID-19, but the restrictions are actually more prohibitive than what the CDC suggested and have been a roadblock to our children's education and emotional well-being," says a parent who wishes to remain anonymous. "We don't understand why the kids cannot be in school full time. The district invested in the barriers, the kids are wearing their masks all day long, why do they also need to stay 6 feet apart when that's the sticking point that's keeping them out of the classroom?" continues a frustrated parent.
Parents say they would never intentionally put their children in harm's way, but argue that the impacts of being out of school are tangible, and many feel even more harmful than the disease itself is to children. They also report increasing numbers of their children are being treated for anxiety and depression, along with a waning interest in their education.
"We are seeing students that were once honor roll students, now failing and losing complete interest in their studies. It's hard to find the motivation to learn when you are isolated from your peers and teachers. Young kids are simply not meant to learn and grow this way" says attorney Corey Hogan who is part of the team of attorneys representing the Clarence parents' group.
The lawsuit also names the state health department as a defendant.
