In July 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper faced criticism for delaying the announcement of a school reopening plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Newly released documents reveal that his decision was influenced by a conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, leading to questions about transparency and educational impact.
1. Delay in Announcement: On July 1, 2020, Cooper announced a two-week delay in revealing the school reopening plan, a decision that received backlash from various officials who felt it hindered preparations.
2. Consultation with Dr. Fauci: Documents show that Cooper sought advice from Fauci, who recommended the delay. Fauci noted in his diary that Cooper was "agonizing" over the decision and wanted to set a good example for other governors.
3. Criticism of the Decision: After the delay, local education leaders criticized Cooper for not providing clarity, which they believed left schools unprepared as they had six weeks before the school year began.
4. Hybrid Learning Model: Eventually, Cooper announced a "hybrid plan," allowing some in-person classes but mostly remote learning. By the start of the 2020-21 school year, over 70% of North Carolina's public school students were learning remotely.
5. Long-Term Impact on Students: The decision to delay reopening is now viewed as a contributing factor to ongoing declines in student performance. By 2025, North Carolina's math and reading scores were still below pre-pandemic levels.
6. Fauci's Ongoing Influence: While Cooper's reliance on Fauci's guidance was clear, the latter has since maintained that he was not convinced of the negative impact of school closures. This stance and his previous recommendations have drawn scrutiny, especially after a contempt vote by Congress.
Cooper's decision, influenced by Fauci's advice, has been critically assessed concerning its impact on North Carolina students. The delayed reopening and reliance on remote learning methods appear to have had lasting repercussions on educational outcomes in the state. As Cooper campaigns for a Senate position, the efficacy of his COVID-19 measures continues to be a focal point of discussion.
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