Idaho became the latest state to ban school mask mandates as an Iowa superintendent made headlines for a heartfelt blog asking the community to wear masks to protect others.
With the state’s governor out of town, Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who has her own sights set on the governor’s post, prohibited all mask mandates “to protect the rights and liberties of individuals and businesses,” the Idaho Statesman reported.
Protecting individuals, however, was the theme of a blog—”Our mask mandate was about our care for others“—posted by Superintendent Mark Lane of the Decorah Community School District in Iowa, another state that has banned mask requirements.
Lane says he will continue to wear a mask in consideration of pregnant employees and employees who are caring for elderly parents.
School mask tracker: Who is and isn’t loosening the rules
He also noted that his wife, a district employee who is battling cancer, and his son, who has diabetes, both remain at risk of more severe COVID infections.
“I will continue to wear my mask for our teachers, employees and students,” Lane wrote. “I encourage everyone to demonstrate the same care for those around them.”
I invite you to read my new blog post, Our mask mandate was about our care for others. https://t.co/6eW0ICGWrX
— Mark Lane (@Mark_M_Lane) May 20, 2021
In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp intends to sign an executive banning school masks mandates, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
But in Connecticut, a judge ruled the state of Connecticut can continue to require masks in schools, The Associated Press reported.
