The Department of Education decided to open schools on Feb. 13 despite heavy snow and sleet.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew released the following statement in response:

I understand the desire to keep schools open. The only thing that trumps that is safety. Having students, parents and staff  traveling in these conditions was unwarranted. It was a mistake to open schools today.

Mulgrew later added:

While I disagree with the decision to open schools today, I agree with Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña that the system needs to develop a clear public protocol that will help parents and staff understand how and when officials decide to close or open schools.