As the school year approaches, families in Florida are feeling an extra dose of anxiety due to the increased risk of COVID-19. On July 30, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis enacted an executive order prohibiting mask mandates in schools, known as Executive Order 21-175, or “Ensuring Parents’ Freedom to Choose — Masks in Schools.” This order allows schools to recommend masks but ultimately places the decision in the hands of parents.
DeSantis’s order directly contradicts CDC guidelines, asserting that “despite recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, requiring students to wear masks lacks a solid scientific basis.” He cites a study from Brown University, which allegedly found no link between mask mandates and COVID-19 spread. However, this claim is misleading. The research referenced was conducted by Emily Foster, an economist, not a health expert. Foster later clarified that the study had limitations and was based on data from the 2020-2021 school year before the more infectious delta variant emerged. Current CDC recommendations advocate for mask-wearing for all K-12 students and staff, irrespective of vaccination status.
To exacerbate the situation, DeSantis warned that schools not complying with his order would face financial penalties. “The Florida Commissioner of Education will seek all legal options to ensure school districts comply with Florida law, including withholding state funds from any noncompliant school boards,” he stated. Despite this, several Florida schools, including Broward County Public Schools, have decided to maintain their mask mandates, with the Department of Education backing their stance.
On August 13, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed his serious concerns regarding DeSantis’s executive order, underscoring its inconsistency with CDC guidelines. He affirmed support for educators prioritizing safe in-person learning, stating that schools could use funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund (ESSER) to counteract any financial repercussions for implementing mask mandates.
In recent weeks, Florida has seen tragic losses among educators due to COVID-19 complications, with the state currently experiencing the highest COVID death rate in the nation, averaging over 150 deaths daily. It’s time for those in leadership to stop resisting basic health measures—like wearing masks—that can save lives.
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Summary
The Biden Administration has expressed strong opposition to Florida’s executive order banning mask mandates in schools, which contradicts CDC guidelines. Governor DeSantis’s order poses risks to student safety, as schools face potential financial penalties for implementing mask policies. Amid rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities among educators, the need for protective measures is critical.
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