N.J. allows schools to reopen for in-person classes
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:50 PM PT – Wednesday, August 12, 2020
New Jersey has reversed course and will now allow all schools to reopen amid the pandemic. Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Wednesday, which will permit schools from pre-K through college to hold both in-person classes and online courses for the academic year.
As many of our colleges and universities have continued offering classes during the summer, in-person instruction may fully resume as long as social distancing and other protections are strictly adhered to.
Any student who chooses to continue remote learning must be accommodated
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 12, 2020
The governor reportedly came to the decision after working with state and school district officials to come up with new protective measures, which will ensure the safety of all attending staff and students.
This came after hundreds of teachers and district officials refused to hold in-person classes due to health concerns.
“It became fruitless to continue to try to do what was impossible, so they’re going to spend the next five weeks making remote learning the best it possibly can be,” stated one school district official.
All New Jersey students will be allowed to take courses either online or in person. Those who choose to take courses on campus will be required to wear a face mask.
Our goal has not changed.
Our commitment to meeting the conditions on the ground with flexibility has not changed.
Our focus on protecting students, families, and educators has not changed.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 12, 2020
When our schools open in September, they must be ready to safely provide the high-quality education to all students that is a hallmark of New Jersey.
We know the first day of school is not going to be like any other in our history.
We’re fully committed to getting this right.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 12, 2020