The Jackson water crisis has not only left people in the capital city without a reliable water supply but has also forced students in this part of Mississippi out of the classroom.
One of those affected is Desmond Washington. He was hospitalized with a severe rash on his back after showering last week in his dorm in Jackson. A doctor told the Jackson State University sophomore that the water had exposed him to bacteria. Washington left the hospital shortly after receiving an IV drip with antibiotics.
He told NBC News that when he returned from the hospital, they said they could not use the water, which took them out of class for a week. He said that is now limiting their class time and learning, and one of the things he was excited about this year was that they would be 100 percent back and not doing virtual learning. He added it had been virtual last week and in the upcoming week.
Virtual classes leave students, teachers, and families scrambling once again
The worsening water crisis that prompted the historically Black public university to return to virtual learning and delay its student move-in date has also left K-12 students, teachers and families scrambling.
School leaders are fielding questions from angry parents and frustrated students about the problems they are facing while they wait for answers from state and city officials. These officials are the only ones who can speak as to when Jackson will get its water supply running once again.
Students in Jackson Public Schools and Jackson State University are attending virtual classes in the meantime. They are now drinking bottled or boiled water to address the crisis. Students hope the problem will be resolved next week and they can return to their respective classrooms.
Derykah Watts, a junior at Jackson State, said she and her roommates have now stored bottled water in the kitchen and the bathroom because their taps have become effectively useless. She said they should have access to clean and safe water as Americans and human beings.
Water crisis discouraging for students
George Stewart, president of the Jackson Association of Educators and a middle school teacher in Jackson Public Schools, said that he and other district educators are deeply concerned this could lead to a significant step back for the students who just made gains this past year in state testing.
He noted that it is a challenge for families who must now figure out child care with the students back home. This can lead to some students leaving the district as they go to stay with relatives or friends.
Stewart said it is disheartening and discouraging because they know their students are making gains and improving. Stewart added that some of their students would be displaced when this happens. He said this would create a situation where their students will fall behind academically, making this a tough time.
