The Biden administration will use the Department of Education’s civil rights office to discourage states from banning mask mandates in schools, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona told the New York Times on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Many states have banned the use of masks in schools. However, coronavirus cases are continuing to rise across the U.S. because of the Delta variant.
- In Florida and Texas, governors issued executive orders that effectively prohibit local officials from mandating masks in classrooms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear masks while in school regardless of vaccination status.
State of play: According to the Times, the Education Department may open an investigation if it is suspected that state policies violate students’ civil rights by banning masks.
- Parents could also complain to the department about banning masks. “It could violate a student’s right to an education by putting them at risk in school,” writes The Times.
- By law, students are entitled to a free appropriate public education.
What they’re saying: “The president is appalled, as I am, that there are adults who are blind to their blindness, that there are people who are putting policies in place that are putting students and staff at risk,” Cardona stated to the Times.
- “At the end of the day,” he added, “We shouldn’t be having this conversation. What we’re dealing with now is negligence.”
- “I’ve heard those parents, saying, ‘Miguel, because of these policies, my child cannot access their school, I would be putting them in harm’s way.’ … That goes against the fundamental beliefs of educators across the country to protect their students and provide a well-rounded education.”
