Seminole County Public Schools Announce Mask Mandate for Students

Seminole County Public Schools announced on Saturday that they are implementing a face mask / mask requirement for students, unless a parent chooses to opt out of the requirement.

The policy will begin Tuesday and will be in effect for 30 days, the district said.

Parents can opt out of the requirement by sending a written note with their signature with their student on the first day of school, the district said.

Students can return the grade to their teacher, depending on the district.

More parents and some school districts are speaking out as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order banning mask warrants in schools is challenged.

“The moment they announced the signing of the decree, my son would not be able to attend school in person,” said Alisha Todd.

Todd said she had a son who was on the special needs spectrum and said that was why she was joining the list of parents who are taking legal action against DeSantis, alleging his latest decree violated the ‘Americans with Disabilities Act.

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“What the decree did was deny my child access to public schools, I no longer have a choice because sending him in person, I risk either his physical health and safety, or potentially his life, ”Todd said.

The lawsuit comes when several school districts in the state are now challenging the decree by requiring teachers to wear masks as well as students for the first 30 days.

In addition to Seminole County, Orange County now requires the rule, but parents can opt out as described in an audio message from Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.

“I put on mandatory face masks for all students unless a parent chooses to opt out of the requirement, opting out would mean sending a simple note with your child on the first day of school,” he said. she declared.

Todd says she understands people who may be against wearing masks in schools, but says for parents like her, she sees no compromise.

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“The problem is, we can’t sink the boat we’re all in, can we, and until we can get a good, solid case of herd immunity and we have enough people vaccinated. , I don’t really think we’ll be able to do that. go without the masks, ”she said.

Like Seminole County, Orange County will review mask policies after 30 days.

A message left in the governor’s office was not immediately returned.