For more information about the Duval County elected school board’s mask mandate with an opt out provision:
https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/education/2021/08/03/jacksonville-area-schools-require-masks-opt-out-clause/5477059001/
Masks work best if the person with covid-19 is wearing the mask because a mask decreases the number of droplets (carrying the virus) that spread from the nose and mouth out into the environment.
The way I read the Governor’s executive order concerning mask mandates by elected school boards is that he is requiring HB 241 apply to any district run school that institutes a mask mandate. He is demanding that parents be allowed to opt their kids out of mask mandates in a way similar to how they opt their kids out of sex-ed.
HB 241(signed into law earlier this year by the Governor) is dubbed a “Parents’ Bill of Rights.” According to supporters of the bill, it would make clear that state and public schools cannot infringe on the “fundamental rights” of parents to direct the upbringing of their child. Opponents of the bill point to problems but that’s an issue for future lawsuits or the next legislative session to fix. Take note that Governor’s DeSantis’ order doesn’t apply to charter schools or voucher funded private schools. If supporters of the bill think it’s such a great idea, why doesn’t the entire bill apply to all publicly funded schools?
Masks are a simple request that help to make all the kids safer. The Governor should let the elected school boards make the best decision for our communities as the Governor and the state legislature are letting charter schools and voucher funded private schools make decisions. As the American Academy of Pediatrics states, masks are part of the safety measures that are needed during this pandemic. Opting out of a public safety requirement isn’t the best idea. If a child has a genuine medical condition that makes wearing a mask difficult, should they be in an environment with lots of people? I would think the parents of that child should choose the virtual option.
Take note that the state board of education (in contrast to the locally elected local school board) is appointed by the Governor.
In case you’re inspired to write the state Board of Education or the Governor, here are their email addresses:
Andy.Tuck@fldoe.org
Marva.Johnson@fldoe.org
Joe.York@fldoe.org
Ryan.Petty@fldoe.org
Tom.Grady@fldoe.org
Ben.Gibson@fldoe.org
Monesia.Brown@fldoe.org
governorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com
References:
Information about masks:
https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Myths-about-Masks-and-Other-Coronavirus-Facial-Cov
Excerpt from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Research has shown that opening schools generally does not significantly increase community transmission with masking and other safety measures in place.
https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2021/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-recommendations-for-opening-schools-in-fall-2021/
The League of Women Voters emphasizes local control in their letter to the Governor: Excerpt from below link: One of the first responsibilities of all governments is to protect its citizens from harm. That is an agreement made between citizens and elected leaders. … Florida’s elected officials often state that the government closest to the people governs best,
https://lwvfl.org/lwv-of-florida-urges-gov-desantis-to-allow-local-control-of-covid-19-mitigation-in-public-schools/
References to HB 241:
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/438620-parents-bill-of-rights-signed-into-law-in-florida/
Link to Governor’s order:
https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Executive-Order-21-175.pdf
Excerpt of analysis of HB 241:
The bill requires school districts to adopt policies that govern the plans and procedures by which each school district must promote parental involvement. School districts must also adopt notification procedures for specific parental rights. https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/241/Analyses/h0241z1.HHS.PDF
