Op-Ed: Schools Must Mandate Masks This Year – Here’s Why

As summer break comes to an end, parents everywhere are feeling the dual emotions of relief and anxiety about sending their kids back to in-person school amid the Delta variant. While we all crave those peaceful, child-free hours after a long summer filled with sibling squabbles, we also recognize that many children thrive in a classroom setting rather than behind a computer screen.

That said, if we are to send our kids back to school, I urge all educational institutions to enforce a mask mandate for everyone—students and staff alike, regardless of vaccination status. Let’s be clear: this is not a polite request. It’s a necessary demand. (Of course, I understand there are legitimate medical reasons that may prevent some individuals from wearing masks, not the dubious claims often presented by anti-vaxxers.)

Although I homeschool my children, I still enroll them in extracurricular activities with peers who attend traditional schools. If those kids bring the Delta variant or COVID into our community, I certainly don’t want to be stuck at home again, trying to manage my own children’s bickering. I also just paid a hefty sum for my kids’ kung-fu classes and would prefer they attend in person instead of online. Homeschooling doesn’t mean I relish having them home all day!

Yes, I know that most people are eager to return to ‘normal’ life. But aren’t we all exhausted by the pandemic and the endless cycle of COVID surges? Each time we hear some good news, like a drop in hospitalizations, it feels like a false dawn. The reality is, the Delta variant is a serious threat.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended universal masking in schools, especially since children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination, and it’s uncertain when that will change. It’s frustrating that the CDC has only suggested masks for unvaccinated individuals. Universal masking would provide a clear and consistent guideline for all, simplifying enforcement without the hassle of checking vaccination statuses daily.

Currently, the Delta variant accounts for a staggering 83% of COVID cases in the U.S., a sharp increase from 30% just a few weeks ago. This variant not only spreads more easily but can lead to more severe infections, including among the vaccinated.

While I’m not advocating for schools to shut down again, research consistently shows that in-person learning can be conducted safely provided that proper protocols, including mask-wearing, are in place. A recent CDC study highlighted that even vaccinated individuals can become infected, which makes universal masking even more critical.

For instance, an outbreak in Arkansas led to the quarantine of numerous students and staff due to just a handful of positive cases. Unfortunately, this is likely to be the norm if we don’t take the necessary precautions as the new school year begins.

As Dr. Sara Bode of the AAP stated, “There are many children and others who cannot be vaccinated. This is why it’s important to use every tool in our toolkit to safeguard children from COVID-19.” Masking is one of those effective tools that can protect against respiratory diseases.

I’m not asking for a return to remote learning; instead, I believe that given the current landscape, a mask mandate is the only sensible approach.

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Summary

As schools prepare to reopen, the Delta variant poses a significant risk to unvaccinated children and the wider community. Universal masking for all students and staff is essential to ensure a safe learning environment.