Activist Court Strikes Down DeSantis Mask Mandate Ban

August 28, 2021 Updated 11:40 A.M. ET

FORT MYERS, FL – Friday afternoon, Leon Circuit Court Judge John Cooper ruled that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) executive order prohibiting school mask mandates in Florida is unconstitutional. 

DeSantis’ executive order was enforcing the “Parents Bill of Rights,” giving the option of whether children wear masks to parents, rather than school districts. 

“It’s not surprising that Judge Cooper would rule against parent’s rights and their ability to make the best educational and medical decisions for their family but instead rule in favor of elected politicians,” DeSantis’ office responded.

“This ruling was made with incoherent justifications, not based in science and facts – frankly not even remotely focused on the merits of the case presented,” they continued.

DeSantis’ office pointed out that last year, the same Court was overturned in the school reopening case in late 2020. They expect it to be overturned again in the First District Court of Appeals, saying that they are confident in prevailing on “the merits of the case.” 

DeSantis has consistently opposed forcing Floridians, especially children, to wear masks and take COVID-19 vaccines, erring on the side of basic freedom rather than coercion.