Better late than never: New York Times finally admits school shutdowns hurt children

The New York Times has made a “startling” discovery. Its editorial board has recognized that “school closures that took 50 million children out of classrooms at the start of the pandemic may prove to be the most damaging disruption in the history of American education. It also set student progress … back by two decades and widened the achievement gap that separates poor and wealthy children.” 

After three years of cheering lockdowns, criticizing officials who proposed lifting them, and refusing to balance their costs and benefits, this recognition is long overdue.

At the end of March 2020, all U.S. public schools were closed. By May 7, nearly all states had closed schools for the remainder of the academic year and switched to remote learning. But some states and officials called for reopening.

Read the full article on the Washington Times.