Inslee calls president’s K-12 threat ‘hogwash,’ ‘courts available’ if needed
Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday that the state won’t be threatened or pressured by the president to fully reopen classrooms in September.
President Donald Trump threatened earlier this week to cut funding from districts that don’t resume in-person classes.
The governor said at a press conference: “We have seen the White House again threatening to attack our state,” and that “the president has picked some peculiar foes,” in students, teachers and families.
He called the president’s threats “hogwash.”
Washington state has the authority to make decisions about the education of Washington students, Inslee said.
“His bullying will fail yet again,” the governor said. “... If necessary, of course, we have the courts available.”
Inslee said he wants schools to open in a way that is safe, follows the recommendations of health experts, and that “maximizes learning.”
He said he plans to meet with state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal next week to talk about the progress of specific plans school districts are considering.
Reykdal said last month that he expected in-person learning, with precautions, but that it was “very unlikely” for all students this fall.
Answering a reporter’s question about the president’s demand and funding threat, Inslee said, “It’s just not going to happen. ... This is just one of the many, many circumstances where Donald Trump is way over his skis.”
The governor tweeted after the press conference: “I want schools to reopen this fall. And we are currently on pace to make that happen. But I will not send our kids and educators back if it is unsafe to do so. Our number one priority from the beginning has been keeping Washingtonians safe. That has not changed.”
Inslee said at the press conference that virus cases are growing across the state, and he reiterated the need for measures such as masks and social distancing.
He said he has been pleased to see an uptick in the use of masks, which are mandatory statewide in public places, with some exceptions.
“Washingtonians are ignoring Donald Trump, and that’s a really healthy thing to do,” the governor said, in response to a question about mask use.
There seems to be “minimal tension,” Inslee said, with businesses accommodating a statewide order that took effect Tuesday that prohibits them from serving maskless customers.
He did note a restaurant was shut down by the King County Health Department for not following requirements.
“That lack of adherence will not be tolerated,” Inslee said.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 5:50 PM.
