A group of Minnesota parents is bringing a lawsuit against the state’s governor for not implementing a mask mandate for schools.
The Star Tribune reports that a group known as “Parents Advocating for Safe Schools,” which claims it represents parents from all of the state, brought the lawsuit against Gov. Tim Walz (D) for not implementing a mandate.
The paper notes, “The parents want Walz to declare a peacetime emergency and issue an executive order to mandate masks in all public schools. They say not doing so violates students’ rights and amounts to discrimination against students with disabilities.”
While Walz issued rules for COVID-19 safe measures for schools last year, this year, schools are allowed to make their own decisions for coronavirus protocols.
Marshall Tanick, one of the attorneys representing the parents, said, “We are hopeful that the court will recognize that subjecting students, teachers, staff and visitors to schools to dangerous, hazardous situations where masks aren’t required deprives the students of the ability to have an adequate education as guaranteed by the state constitution.”
Additionally, Dr. Loucresie Rupert, one of the parents involved in the lawsuit, said in a statement, “We believe that mandatory masking is essential to the safety, health, and well-being of our children, as well as staff members at schools, and those visiting school sites.”
A spokesperson for Walz said, “As a former high school teacher, Gov. Walz will always prioritize the health and safety of Minnesota students, and he expects the Legislature to help him.”
“The Governor’s Office is reviewing the complaint and will continue to work with schools and parents to keep kids safe,” the spokesman added.
In July, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky said, “CDC recommends that everyone in K through 12 schools wear a mask indoors, including teachers, staff, students, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with proper prevention strategies in place.”
“Finally, CDC recommends community leaders encourage vaccination and universal masking to prevent further outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission with the Delta various. Vaccinating more Americans now is more urgent than ever,” she added.
