Oklahoma parents to rally for in-person learning as COVID-19 cases climb

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A group of Oklahoma parents are preparing to rally at the capitol Monday to show support for in-person learning.

Many Oklahoma school districts have recently gone virtual, either by choice to prevent an outbreak of covid-19, or because so many teachers and students are quarantined.

But still, many parents say their kids should be in the classroom as soon as possible.

That includes Governor Kevin Stitt, who on Thursday, asked school administration and parents to figure out how to safely be back in school by January.

Monday morning at 11, more of those supporters will meet outside of the state capitol.

“We don’t want to force people into in-person school who aren’t comfortable,” According to Jennifer Johnson, one of the rally organizers, “we also want that same choice to have our kids in school.”

Some parents are concerned about mental health issues for their kids, abusive and poverty situations for others, and some say trying to learn through a computer screen is causing their kids to fall behind academically.

“In person learning is essential. For some, virtual learning works great but that’s not a cookie cutter fix for everyone,” said Johnson.

The group is asking not just parents, but any supporters of in-person learning to show up and let their voice be heard.

The event is scheduled to last until 2 p.m.