'Only When It's Safe': Somerset County Teachers Protest Reopening

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Teachers from Somerset County and beyond came out to protest the reopening of schools in September claiming it is unsafe and too soon.

"Only when it's safe!" teachers chanted as they walked up and down Main Street in Somerville on Thursday afternoon.

Passerby vehicles honked in support and some outdoor diners clapped or shouted words of encouragement. There was one man who walked by giving the middle finger to the teachers shouting at them to "Go back to work!"

The protest was organized by the Somerset County Education Association (SCEA) on Division Street in Somerville.

SCEA President Dan Epstein spoke at the beginning of the protest. "We are taking action for our own safety and own lives," Epstein said.

Warren resident Greg O'Reilly is not only a father of two twin six-year-olds, but he is also a Watchung Hills Regional High School Social Studies teacher. O'Reilly's wife, Karen, is also a school psychologist in North Plainfield making it impossible to keep their kids home when they have to work.

"They are making us choose between our health and livelihood," O'Reilly said.

Karen O'Reilly noted that by allowing students to return to school buildings is like "inviting the entire town to congregate together. We are in trouble."

"I don't want to die," said Somerville resident and North Plainfield teacher Amy Six.

Her coworker Stephanie Myers said they are protesting for the health and safety of the students and staff.

"If you can't sit in a tiny coffee shop and have a cup of coffee together why would it be safe to have students return inside to school buildings?" Myers said.

Somerville Mayor Dennis Sullivan spoke during the protest in favor of the teachers.

"Usually I am out on Main Street shopping or enjoying outdoor dining, but today I am here to support y'all," Sullivan said. "This is not about the economy. The only economy that is doing well right now are the mortuaries and cemeteries."

Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School teacher Cristen Peliotin said "this is all just a desperate attempt to return to normalcy."

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