CAPE CORAL, Fla -- Thursday marks day two of the hearing for the Florida Education Association lawsuit, which challenges the state order to reopen schools.
The debate continues as more and more school district start dates approach, including Southwest Florida schools in less than two weeks.
Fox 4 continues following the latest developments in this lawsuit, because helping you get your kids Safely Back to School is a priority for us.
For hours on Wednesday, the state's largest teacher union tried to make its case for an injunction. It alleges the reopen order is unsafe and unconstitutional, forcing districts to comply or risk losing millions.
Backing up their argument was testimony from health officials, who said Florida schools are simply not ready and don't have the things in place to open.
Worried educators also weighed in, including an Orange County instructor who said he'll resign if the order remains. He said his job isn't worth bringing the virus home.
“I can't put my family at risk. I can't put my mother in law at risk," said James Lis, an Orange County teacher.
Union leaders said people are choosing to go to another career and choosing to take leaves.
Meanwhile, attorneys for the state argue the order is legal, flexible and an important choice for parents. They argue it's more safe than keeping schools closed, citing the negative impact virtual learning can have on mental health, and students with disabilities or low-income families.
