Living in Florida can be an exhausting experience for parents of school-aged children. The constant shifts in policies regarding mask mandates leave many feeling disheartened. At the beginning of the school year, the idea of a mask mandate seemed unlikely after Governor DeSantis issued an executive order prohibiting them. He even threatened to cut the salaries of school board members who dared to implement mask mandates in their districts.
In Brevard County, where I reside, parents like me reached out to school board members pleading for a district-wide mask mandate, only to receive responses indicating that their hands were tied. We focused on raising awareness about the importance of masks and hoped that most parents would voluntarily choose to protect their children. However, anti-science sentiments and conspiracy theories are prevalent here. I was somewhat relieved to see that nearly everyone at my daughter’s elementary school registration wore masks—except for a couple of adults, one of whom sported a “Parents for Freedom” shirt, a group founded by a former school board member that opposes mask mandates and LGBTQ rights.
On August 6, a group of parents advocating for mask mandates filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their argument centered on the fact that their children with disabilities are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and banning protective measures violates their rights. “If students with disabilities cannot attend school safely,” the lawsuit stated, “then no one can.”
On September 8, a Leon County Circuit Judge ruled that school districts could enforce their mask rules while the lawsuit was being reviewed. This allowed my district to pass a temporary mask mandate, which was set to be reviewed after 30 days.
However, the situation took another turn on September 10 when the appeals court sided with DeSantis, reinstating his ban on mask mandates. This led many parents to send their kids to school without masks. While I received reminders from the district about the mask mandate still being in effect, the rollercoaster of policy changes is exhausting.
On the same day, the Department of Education announced an investigation into whether DeSantis’s order violates the ADA by preventing mask mandates. Additionally, salaries have been withheld from board members who supported mask mandates in several counties. The Biden administration has pledged to cover the pay gaps for those districts facing penalties.
For now, my district still maintains the mask mandate, and I hope my 11-year-old daughter will be eligible for a vaccine soon. Until then, I find myself frustrated by the political scene in my state and the selfish choices of those prioritizing their “freedom” over the health of the community.
DeSantis argues that his stance protects “parents’ rights,” but this narrative overlooks the needs of families with children at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infections. The idea that mask mandates infringe on parental rights is a misguided perspective that fails to consider the broader implications for community safety.
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In summary, the journey of being a parent of school-aged children in Florida is fraught with challenges, particularly concerning health policies and the ongoing debate over mask mandates. As parents, it is essential to advocate for the safety and well-being of all children in our community.
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