NEWS RELEASE
From the Missouri National Education Association
1810 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101
For further information:
Mark Jones, MNEA Communications Director
Phone: (573) 644-9609
Mobile: (573) 508-8528
mark.jones@mnea.org
Missouri National Education Association Pres. Phil Murray released the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Parson’s recent statement that Missouri school children will be infected with COVID-19, and when they do, “they’re gonna get over it.”
JEFFERSON CITY - “Gov. Parson’s statement demonstrates a callous disregard for the suffering of children and the safety of the parents, grandparents, educators, and students that will be put at risk if schools are reopened with improper plans and protections. When the Governor says that children are, “gonna get over it” he forgets that some children won’t. He forgets that some children will be left with lifelong health problems and some children will lose their lives. He forgets the parents, grandparents, educators, and other children who will become sick and will suffer unnecessarily.
The Governor’s inaccurate and reckless statement should concern every Missourian. Yes, reopening schools is vital to the health and well-being of our children and communities, but it must be done responsibly. That includes ensuring our educators are given the desperately needed resources to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Educators are constantly told to do more with less at a time when our schools need the necessary resources to protect students. Already this year communities have seen over $250 million in cuts to local schools all while the Governor found $15 million to advertise Missouri as a tourist destination in the midst of a pandemic.
It is time for elected leaders to listen to frontline educators, parents, and students who are working to develop comprehensive plans to keep our students, educators, and families safe.”
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The 32,000-member Missouri NEA represents teachers, education support professionals, college faculty, retired teachers, and students studying to be teachers in school districts and on college campuses throughout the state. It is the Missouri affiliate of the 3 million-member National Education Association.
Resources
Transcript of Gov. Parson from Mark Cox Radio Show: “...and If they do get COVID-19—which they will—and they will when they go to school - they’re not going to the hospitals. They're not gonna have to sit
in doctors' [inaudible] day.They’re gonna go home, and they’re gonna get over it.”
The entire interview can be found at the 2hr 27 min mark at this link: https://www.facebook.com/themarccoxshow/videos/1533252933529241/?t=8865
Media Coverage
TV/Radio:
KSDK TV: Missouri public school teachers association responds to Gov. Parson's statement on students
KMOV TV: Union Responds to Parson Get Over It Comments
Statewide Talk Radio News aggregation KMBZ: MNEA Calls Comments Reckless (radio)
KMOX (similar to KMBZ aggregation): Governor Parson's clarification doesn't appear to change the way the Missouri National Education Association views his comments
KRCG: Parson displayed 'callous disregard for the suffering of children', education assoc. says
Print:
Post Dispatch: Parson clarifies comments on kids catching virus: ‘I didn't do a good job of explaining the point’
St. Louis American: Parson demonstrates a callous disregard for the suffering of children