Politics (Not Science) Prompt Four Blue States to Drop School Mask Mandates
In a stunning reversal, four blue states have announce their mask mandates will end soon. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that, beginning the second week of March, the state will no longer require students and school employees to wear masks. Shortly thereafter, three more states – Connecticut, Delaware, and Oregon – joined New Jersey in announcing their school district mask mandates would end either this month or in March.
Governor Murphy, who has overseen some of the country’s most restrictive COVID-related measures, surprisingly said “we can responsibly live with this thing.” That . . . “thing” that shall not be mentioned is the Coronavirus.
The White House continues to recommend “universal mask wearing in schools” despite these blue states’ move towards mask-optional policies. Nevertheless, what gives? Why are these blue states now suddenly reversing their “masks save lives” stances?
It’s no secret that the topic of masks in schools has become one of the most contentious issues among parents and, particularly, at school board meetings. Numerous lawsuits have been filed across the country challenging mask mandates in schools. Many recent court decisions have also begun to halt these mandates (as well as vaccine mandates).
The bottom line is the topic of masks in schools isn’t a winning issue this coming election cycle. The mid-term elections are this fall, and in many municipalities, school board elections are also taking place. As noted above, the tide is turning against masks, particularly masks on children. In addition, numerous studies have demonstrated masks simply don’t work in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Given Democrats claim to be the party of “science,” insisting on masks in schools contradicts well-established “science” proving masks have had no effect on COVID transmission.
Accordingly, politics – not science – has likely incentivized these blue state governors to move towards a more relaxed stance on masks in schools. Forcing children to mask up as a condition of attending class has become increasingly unpopular and potentially destructive this coming election cycle.