The Start of the School Year Brings Its Share of Fear

With the school year starting up this month, all over the U.S, students are flocking back to their schools, both public and private. However, the controversy of students’ return back to face-to-face learning has many scared and others furious over the split policies students are facing regarding health codes against COVID-19.

Parents who are firmly against the use of masks in schools have protested passionately about the disadvantages of having their children wear masks continuously in school. Parents who advocate for more mask use, face the possibility that their children might be exposed to the virus by other students who refuse to take proper safety precautions.

While different states have taken opposing policies for the safety of students nationwide, the health and safety of students have now become a source of conflict.

The realities of the threat that these contradicting policies enacted during the pandemic are shown in over 5,000 students who have now been quarantined in the state of Florida due to exposure to an unknown source that tested positive for COVID-19. Both staff and students have had to be checked and quarantined for the safety of the public and themselves, which has sparked outrage owing to the anti-masker idea that this is merely raising “unrealistic fears.”

The hope going forward, despite the conflict that parents and the public have taken on the issue, is that students can go back to school and remain healthy. While this hope stems from different action plans, one can only pray that the nation comes together for the safety and well-being of the younger generation.