WATCH: Students Share Insights and Advice for School Leaders, Policymakers for Coronavirus Reopening in Virtual Town Hall

Hundreds from across the country gathered in a virtual town hall on Aug. 26 to partake in a student discussion of reopening schools amid the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing movement for racial justice. The event was a partnership between The 74 and America’s Promise Alliance to elevate student voices in the national conversation.

The town hall featured six student panelists from across the United States who shared their insights and advice for school leaders about reopening amid the pandemic, involving students in school decision-making and how schools should provide opportunities to learn about race and racism.

In this highlight reel of of the 75-minute town hall, attended by more than 500 participants, the panel discussed the most pressing questions students face as they return to school. What are young people thinking and feeling about starting the year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic after a spring of disrupted learning? How have the pandemic and school closures exacerbated racial tensions and created greater urgency for addressing racism in school? What advice can young people share with school leaders in this unprecedented moment?

Watch what they had to say above.

— Edited by Jim Fields