Thread by @ILRaiseYourHand

A thread on why Mayor Lightfoot's ridiculous response to opt-out testing is wrong:

First, let's dig into what we mean by opt-out testing.
Opt-out testing must involve consent by notifying parents of when and how routine testing will be conducted. Parents receive paperwork stating the type of test, the risks, benefits, and how to OPT-OUT their child.

Mayor Lightfoot's understanding of opt-testing is a common talking point made by conservatives and people who simply do not care about our children's safety. It is an easy way to dodge doing extra work on her and CPS's part.

Opt-out testing cannot happen without parent notification. It is important that districts give accurate and timely information to families. It is also the districts responsibility to ensure parents are AWARE of their right to refuse testing.

Opt-out is NOT new to CPS schools! Parents must opt-out their children if they do not want to receive dental/eye exams at schools or if they do not want to be photographed. How is that students are automatically used for marketing purposes but can't be given consistent testing?

Thanks to @il_fps on their research, we discovered that 34 districts in IL have opt-out testing already. Due to COVID surges across school districts, many have decided to switch to safer protocols. It is not difficult to see why other school districts made these choices.

@il_fps Opt-out gives more accurate and random data than opt-in would. Research on opt-out testing has shown increase of test participation, which also increases infection prevention. Opt-out also helps the community understand why it's important to get tested regularly.