Gov. DeSantis: Parents, teachers should have options for returning to school in August

(WTXL) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a virtual address Wednesday to defend the state's stance on reopening schools.

He made the statements during a live, virtual address Wednesday afternoon. Reporters were not present in the room when DeSantis made his address.

“I believe we owe every Florida parent a choice to send your child back to school or maintain distance learning," DeSantis said. He also said that teachers should be given the option to work remotely as well.

Gov. DeSantis was also open to districts delaying the start of the school year, telling them to "have at it."

"Our fight against COVID-19 shouldn't lead us to deprive our kids to the tools they need to succeed," DeSantis said.

The governor also stressed that kids have "a lower risk of COVID-19," and condemned fear as the state's enemy in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Let's not let fear get the best of us and harm children in the process," DeSantis.

The governor also cited the consequences of keeping schools closed, saying that closing schools will generate "enormous" costs, exacerbate achievement gaps, lead to more kids dropping out of school and take a toll on their mental health.

You can watch the full address below: