Protesters block buses on first day of Detroit summer school

DETROIT — Protesters who said they’re concerned about the coronavirus blocked a driveway used by buses Monday on the first day of summer classes in the Detroit district.

Protesters held signs and placed tree branches on the ground to try to prevent buses from picking up children. WWJ-AM quoted two bus drivers as saying they quit on the spot.

“I’m not going back until this pandemic is defeated. There is no safe way to return to school while this virus is spreading uncontained,” said teacher Benjamin Royal.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many students, if any, couldn’t get to school because of the protest. Detroit Public Schools Community District said it’s offering in-person or online morning classes in 26 schools, through Aug. 6.

Students and staff are required to wear masks. The district said classrooms would be limited to 10 to 15 students per teacher.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said summer school is important for students who fell behind when buildings were closed in March because of the virus.