Conservatives urge school districts across America to re-open in accordance with scientific evidence. Recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control show little evidence that schools contribute meaningfully to the spread of COVID-19.

Specifically, a report published in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association and authored by three CDC scientists, found that “the type of rapid spread that was frequently observed in congregate living facilities or high-density worksites has not been reported in education settings in schools.”

Moreover, evidence continues to grow regarding the social and emotional toll on students being forced to learn virtually. Data also demonstrates the academic toll taken on students, especially on those in low-income communities and with special needs.

Many public and private schools around the country have prioritized the needs of students and been open for in-person instruction. We commend those school districts and administrators that have sought to minimize the toll of the pandemic on healthy children in their most formative years.

The frequent refrain during this pandemic has been to “follow the science.” The science and data now clearly indicate two things: first, it is safe to open schools; and second, that failure to do so is irreparably harming students, particularly low-income students.

We urge every state and local government to prioritize and incentivize school re-opening without delay.

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