FL Lee County Public Schools to “Require” Masks, Parents Can “Opt Out”

Lee County, Florida, issued a press release Sunday stating that the district will require face masks to be worn by children, and that parents may opt out of the order.

“Therefore, The School District of Lee County will require face coverings as a mitigation measure as we begin the 21-22 school year, while respecting parents’ fundamental rights to direct the health care decisions of their child, by allowing them to opt their child out of wearing a face covering or mask,” the press release read.

School starts this week in Lee County.

Lee County is required by a new Governor Ron DeSantis (R) executive order protecting parents’ right to determine whether or not their children wear masks in school. 

Those opposed to mask mandates question the announcement; the “require[ment]” is not a requirement if it may be opted out of, they point out.

Parents must fill out an “Opt-Out form” to exempt their child.

The press release also indicates that they are “strongly encouraging” staff to wear masks.

The Lee County school mandate will remain in place until at least September 10, 2021.