Concerned Parents Are Asking Governor Polis To Allow In-Person Learning

Dozens of frustrated Denver parents gathered outside of the State Capitol on Monday, November 16, urging the state to return schools to in-person learning.

As COVID-19 cases in the state rise at an alarming rate, more schools have made the decision to fully shift to remote learning.

Many parents argue that remote learning is taking a toll on their families. By implementing the CDC's Close Contact Protocols, parents say returning to in-person classes would not be a huge safety threat.

The protocols require any students and teachers who come within 6 feet of an individual with COVID for more than 15 minutes to quarantine for the recommended 14 days.

Parents are asking Governor Jared Polis for a state-wide implementation of these Close Contact Protocols so that they may return to in-person education.

Parents from Denver County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Adams County, Arapahoe County, and Boulder County were all in attendance at the rally on Monday.

"Not every family can make online learning work," said Dan Maloit to FOX31. "You've got single parents and parents that have to work two jobs."

Lindsay Datko, a former teacher who spearheaded a group called Jeffco: Choice for In-Person Learning, thinks the state's response to education during the pandemic has been confusing for communities.

"There are many teachers who want to be in person," said Datko. "It's been kind of a hot potato who is making the decisions, Is it county health? Is it state health? Is it superintendents?"

Several Colorado school districts that were conducting limited in-person learning have seen outbreaks in the past few weeks, but most have involved fewer than 10 student cases.

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