Where many see a continued need to protect children who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19, opponents argue that masks make students uncomfortable and mandates impinge on freedom.
Schools across U.S. ditch student mask requirements in growing numbers
Updated May 13, 2021;
By Associated Press
As a lengthy, bitter fight over mask requirements for students neared its conclusion, the chairperson of a Florida school board announced that she would agree to lift a mandate that had been in place since September even though she preferred leaving it in place until the end of the academic year. Parents hurled insults in response.
“Communist! Democrat!,” opponents of making children wear masks in school shouted as board chair Wei Ueberschaer and the district superintendent explained at a May 3 meeting that they still considered masks advisable. “This is Santa Rosa County, America, not China!”
Even as a number of U.S. schools remain closed to minimize infections, districts in states from Alabama to Wyoming decided to ditch student mask mandates.
Governor says Utah won t mandate masks in schools next fall
SOPHIA EPPOLITO and LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press/Report for America
May 6, 2021
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1of5People protest students wearing masks to school during a rally on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Farmington, Utah. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday, May 6, 2021, he has no plans to renew the state s mask order for K-12 schools next fall, following months of mounting pressure from parents calling for the mandate s end.Rick Bowmer/APShow MoreShow Less
2of5FILE - In this April 10, 2021, file photo, parents and students protest students wearing masks to school during a rally in Farmington, Utah. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday, May 6, 2021, he has no plans to renew the state s mask order for K-12 schools next fall, following months of mounting pressure from parents calling for the mandate s end.Rick Bowmer/APShow MoreShow Less
Sophia Eppolito And Lindsay Whitehurst May 06, 2021 - 6:23 PM
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah s governor said Thursday the state has no plans to require masks for students in K-12 schools next fall, following months of mounting pressure from parents calling for the mandate s end.
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox has previously defended his administrationâs decision to mandate masks in schools this school year against parent protests, but now says the state s rising vaccination rates indicate that districts are prepared to limit restrictions.
âWe now have the ability for those that have concerns about the virus to protect ourselves much more,â Cox told The Associated Press. âWe have better masks available and opportunities for people to make those decisions.â