Closing arguments made in court over reopening schools amid pandemic

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The battle over back to school continued Friday in a Tallahassee courtroom.

A judge heard closing arguments in a challenge to the state’s order requiring schools to reopen this month.

The Florida Education Association teachers union argues the order is unconstitutional, and alleges the order violates Florida’s constitution by jeopardizing a safe and secure public education.

The union said it wants local school boards to decide individually when it is safe to reopen without losing funding.

On the other side, the state emphasized government authority and the impact of not reopening.

The judge directed both sides to submit rough proposals to consider by the close of business, and gave the defense until noon on Saturday to respond to new items raised in the hearing.