Governor J.B. Pritzker says schools need to make masks a requirement for students heading back to the classroom this fall. To that end, the Governor is launching a preemptive lawsuit to require Illinois schoolchildren to wear masks. Pritzker said in the statement yesterday that wearing a mask is common sense during the pandemic and critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Officials at two private schools and a public school district have told the Illinois Board of Education that they believe Pritzker is exceeding his authority in seeking a mandate.
The State Board of Education released guidelines for schools to reopen, but districts will need to work out the specifics. The Governor says that should include students and teachers wearing masks, social distancing and limits on the number of students per classroom. Pritzker says many districts will likely offer a combination of in-person and remote learning this fall. He also says districts could be held liable in court if they don’t make a genuine attempt to enact these safety protocols.
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