Boston Students Walk Out Of Class In Call For Remote Learning

BOSTON — Students at Boston Public Schools walked out of class Friday to demand stronger COVID-19 safety protocols.

They are calling for a temporary return to remote learning and better practices when it comes to keeping students safe around the buildings.

Students left classes at a number of schools throughout the city at 10:30 a.m. in a protest organized by the Boston Student Advisory Council, demanding the school district go remote for two weeks, while still counting those days towards the state's mandated 180 days of classroom learning.

Students who left school were asked to spend the first hour calling and emailing state officials voicing their concerns, the BSAC said.

The school district released this statement in response:

"Boston Public Schools believes deeply in students advocating for what they believe in. We further believe it is critically important that we encourage and support them in expressing their concerns, beliefs, and positions to their leaders. We will continue to listen to our students and families as we navigate this latest surge and the impacts it has on our ability to remain in person and deliver a quality education."

On Thursday, the Department of Education and Secondary Education released a report on Massachusetts schools, showing more students tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week than the week before.

Gov. Charlie Baker has long said remote learning should not be an option, reiterating the need for in-person classes despite crippling staff shortages.

With more than 1,000 BPS staff members still out since the return from winter break due to the COVID-19 surge, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said remote learning is a "last resort," but Mayor Michelle Wu has been pushing for slightly more flexibility.

"Closing our schools and moving to remote is a last resort," she said at a news conference. "But it is one that we are prepared for, given that there are COVID and pandemic challenges that affect staffing beyond our control."