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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Florida Leaders Worry Parents Keeping Kids Home Over Coronavirus Concerns Could Lead To More Segrega

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
Steve Cannon
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

As parents decide whether to send their children back to the classroom this fall, Florida Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) says she’s worried more parents could opt to home school. She says that could create an even bigger racial divide in education.

“When we talk about who has to work—even in low wage jobs, and underpaid jobs, because certain individuals have been historically denied certain jobs anyway—it could result in more segregation," Gibson said.

Gibson says while more affluent parents might have the option to stay home with their children, black and minority parents are less likely to have that choice. She says that also means those children are at greater risk of dangers that could be associated with going to school—including the spread of the coronavirus.

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