Arkansas judge temporarily blocks state law banning mask warrants in schools

“Local school districts should make the call,” Hutchinson said Wednesday. “And they should have more options to make sure their school is a safe environment during a very difficult time for education.”

In a statement to CNN on Friday, the governor said the judge’s decision ended with the outcome he wanted.

“Although the Arkansas General Assembly did not change Law 1002, my goal was achieved by today’s court ruling by Judge Fox which declared Law 1002 unconstitutional,” he said. Hutchinson said. “This decision provides flexibility for school districts to make decisions about how best to protect their students.”

Forty-seven students and eight staff have tested positive for Covid-19 this week alone, prompting an increase in the number of students requiring quarantine. 54 other students and five staff members were able to avoid quarantine because they are vaccinated.

The district had not been able to implement a mask requirement due to the April law. District officials said if a mask warrant was in place, the number of students in quarantine would be significantly lower.

Marion School District Superintendent Glen Fenter said in a statement to CNN that the district was “satisfied” with the judge’s decision.

“When it comes to students wearing masks, we believe the local councils, which are closest to the situation, are in the best position to determine whether the mask requirements are appropriate,” Fenter said.

The district is now considering how best to move forward, Fenter said.

“We will spend the next few days visiting our lawyers and exploring what will be the best option for students in the Marion School District. We will work with our school board to adopt an appropriate policy.”