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Two of Texas’ largest school districts are imposing mask requirements, defying Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order banning such warrants in schools.
The Dallas and Austin superintendents separately announced the requirements on Monday, with executives saying the masking would help keep students and staff safe and slow the spread of the delta variant of Covid-19.
“As the principal of the second largest district in Texas, I am responsible for everything. Most importantly, the safety of our students, staff and families,” said the principal of the Dallas Independent School District, Michael Hinojosa, at a press conference broadcast by NBC Dallas. -Fort Worth.
“So I have to implement all the safety protocols that I think are in the best interest of our school district,” he said, adding that the situation with the delta variant has become “much more urgent”.
The order, which begins Tuesday, requires all students, staff and visitors to wear face masks in all 230 schools in the district.
A post on its website says the mask requirement is temporary but doesn’t say how long it will be in place.
“We will continue to monitor cases in consultation with Dallas County Health and Social Services,” the district said.
Austin’s independent school district, the state’s fifth largest, also imposed the same mask mandate. It begins Wednesday for the 125 schools in the district.
Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde made the announcement at a school board meeting on Monday. Board chairman Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. told the meeting that the mask requirement for students, staff and visitors is to help protect children who cannot be vaccinated for the moment.
Covid-19 vaccines are not yet available for children under 12.
“I am responsible for the safety, health and well-being of each of our students and staff,” Elizalde said in a statement. “If I’m wrong, I must err on the side of making sure we’ve been too careful, not that we’ve failed.”
Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, issued an executive order in May banning school districts from requiring masks, as well as other government entities. His office did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday.
The Austin school system pointed to recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in making its decision, saying the agency recommended universal masking inside schools. The district said it had seen a lower rate of coronavirus positivity in schools than in the general community when it needed masks in the past school year.
Dallas principals said county health officials reported hospitalizations were increasing at a rapid rate across all age groups, including children.
“Students under the age of 12 are not eligible for a vaccine, however, school attendance is mandatory and virtual learning is not an option at this time,” the Dallas District said. “Governor Abbott’s order does not limit the district’s rights as an employer and educational institution to establish reasonable and necessary safety regulations for its staff and students. Dallas ISD remains committed to the safety of our people. students and our staff. “
Houston, the state’s largest district, is considering a mask requirement after new superintendent Millard House II asked directors to vote on reinstating a term, according to NBC affiliate KPRC. The board will take up the matter on Thursday.
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