“This is not a debate about mask mandates for those that can make their own decisions and have the means to get vaccinated,” Hutchinson said a news conference Thursday, The Associated Press reported.
“This is a discussion about the school environment where schools can make decisions about the public health for their school environment and the children they have responsibility to protect,” he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
Hutchinson will call state lawmakers back into session in an attempt to allow schools to make their own mask rules, but will keep the ban on local governments from implementing such orders.
However, state lawmakers told the governor lifting the ban would be difficult.
Letter: Allow mask mandates
arkansasonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from arkansasonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Dozen state lawmakers call for session to allow mask mandates
nwaonline.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nwaonline.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Keith Ingram joins call for legislative action to allow local governments to impose mask mandates
arktimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from arktimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.