U.S. Schools Begin Reinstating Mask Mandates, Illegal in Florida

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – As COVID-19 cases rise, more schools across the U.S. are implementing mask mandates, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Chelsea Public Schools in Boston announced in a letter to the community that the CDC designated their county as “High Risk” for COVID-19 transmission. Superintendent Almi Abeyta wrote: “As a result of this designation, Chelsea Public Schools will implement a mask mandate” which came into effect on Jan. 9.

“Masks must be worn in school buildings at all times except when eating or drinking,” the superintendent continued.

The letter did not state how long the mandate would be in place.

Prior to winter break, school districts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania announced they would temporarily be mandating students to wear masks indoors.

Paterson Public Schools in New Jersey sent an announcement letter Dec. 22. Superintendent Eileen Shafer wrote: “As for the mask requirement, I know this is a relief to some, and a frustration to others. No matter what your position may be, I ask for your cooperation.”

Ann Arbor Public Schools in Michigan announced in a letter to families, students and staff that the district will require “well-fitted masks” to be worn by students indoors for two weeks upon returning from their winter break which started Jan. 9.

Chicago Public Schools sent out a notice requesting all students take a COVID test prior to returning to school from winter break and said they “highly encourage” students to wear masks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has fiercely stood against mask mandates and lockdowns despite facing criticism. In 2021 he made comments that it is “totally unacceptable” for the government to impose those mandates on parents and kids. In 2022, the governor’s administration filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration for its continuation of the nationwide transportation mask mandate.

“Florida has led the nation in standing up to misguided federal government policies and fighting back against heavy-handed mandates that have no scientific backing,” DeSantis said in March.

In June 2021, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 241, the Parents’ Bill of Rights, which “prevents the state [of Florida], its subdivisions, or any governmental institution, from infringing on the fundamental rights of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, or mental health of a minor child without demonstrating that such action is reasonable and necessary to achieve a compelling state interest and that such action is narrowly tailored and is not otherwise served by less restrictive means; and pursuant to Florida law, all parents have the right to make health care decisions for their minor children.”

In July 2021, DeSantis issued an Executive Order that if public school districts do not comply with not mandating masks, “The Florida Commissioner of Education shall pursue all legal means available to ensure school districts adhere to Florida law, including but not limited to withholding state funds from noncompliant school boards violating any rules or agency action taken.”