For Immediate Release: July 17, 2020

Des Moines, Iowa — Progress Iowa executive director Matt Sinovic issued the following statement in response to Gov. Kim Reynolds announcing that Iowa schools must prioritize in-person learning in the coming school year:

“More students, educators, and Iowans will get sick and die because of Governor Reynold’s announcement today.”

“Forcing kids back into the classroom when Iowa is a coronavirus ‘red zone’ according to the White House is completely inexcusable. Case counts are rising, we’re one of only two states without any mask requirements, and the entire response from the Reynolds administration has been a failure. The Governor may just want this crisis to be over, but it can’t be wished away by pretending we’re back to normal. We need real leadership and tough decisions to be made, and I’m afraid we’re never going to get it from her.”

“Iowa students shouldn’t be the subject of Kim Reynolds dangerous and twisted science experiment. Their lives matter more than she is giving them credit for.”

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Background:

Des Moines Register Editorial: In making decisions about reopening, schools must be driven by facts, not by ‘back to normal’

Center for Public Integrity: White House Document Shows 18 States In Coronavirus “Red Zone”

Des Moines Register: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa schools must prioritize in-person learning in coming school year

Progress Iowa is a multi-issue progressive advocacy organization with a network of more than 75,000 progressives. Year-round, Progress Iowa advocates for a stronger middle class, first-class public education, and fairness for all Iowans under the law.