Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that he would sign an executive order to issue emergency regulations "protecting parents' rights", making face masks optional in schools across the state and leaving the decision up to parents.Friday's announcement was made in Cape Coral by the governor at an Italian restaurant. He also presented parents to oppose masks.The order was released Friday afternoon, and is "effective immediately". It directs the Florida Department of Education to issue emergency rules to permit parents to decide whether their children can wear masks to school.It states, among other things that Richard Corcoran, Education Commissioner, "shall pursue every legal means to ensure school districts adhere Florida law, including... withholding state money from noncompliant schools boards ...."Latest COVID updates: CDC report shows mounting evidence about dangerous delta variantWhat is the science behind masks What does it mean for masks to prevent or reduce COVID infections?Gov. Ron DeSantis.However, the CDC has recently revised its guidelines to say that all students in K-12 schools must wear a mask indoors regardless of their vaccination status.DeSantis's move will not ban masks completely; he stated that students who want to wear masks by their parents should be allowed to do so.DeSantis stated, "We think that that's fair," adding that he doesn’t allow his three children to wear masks. He joked that they wouldn’t wear them for very long anyway.DeSantis recently stated that he may call lawmakers to special session if local school district officials enact student mask mandates.He signed an executive order in May lifting all COVID restrictions at local governments. He signed a bill banning local governments from issuing new COVID restrictions a month later.DeSantis has also said that he will not re-enact the state of emergency, despite Florida having 20% of all COVID-19 new infections. This spike was largely due to the delta variant.Continue the storyRep. Anna Eskamani takes part in a Zoom and Facebook Live event with Lui Damiani, Executive Director of Victim Service Center. This was to help raise awareness about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It took place in her Capitol office on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.His Friday announcement was immediately criticised by at least one Democratic lawmaker."Our Governor continues his political agenda above the health and well-being of Floridians, by going after masks," tweeted Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando)."Meanwhile, homelessness and poverty could be a legitimate issue he could focus on. BUT NOPE! Let's not stop with the culture wars and endanger lives.The Florida Education Association is the state teachers union and issued a long statement condemning the order.It doesn't matter if it mandates a pay plan that requires teachers who have 15 years of teaching experience to be paid the same amount as first-year teachers or tells local elected officials they can't enforce recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. DeSantis believes that Tallahassee is the best place to find what Floridians want," Andrew Spar, President of the FEA said."We... ask Gov. DeSantis will give all Florida citizens a voice by giving the power to elected leaders of counties, cities and school districts to make local safety and health decisions based on their particular needs.Chris Sprowls, House Speaker, speaks at a press conference hosted by Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks with Sprowls, and other lawmakers, about foreign interference at Florida's colleges, universities. The focus was on stopping China and other countries stealing intellectual property at Florida's Capitol Monday, March 1, 2021.Meanwhile, Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor), Florida House Speaker, released a statement "applauding" DeSantis for his decisive action.He stated that "while there are public officials who will attempt to use the power government to compel uniformity or adherence to their preferred conduct, this approach is not consistent with Florida values.""Gov. DeSantis understands that parents have the most power to make decisions for their children. Today, DeSantis' actions demonstrate his faith in fellow Floridians and show that he trusts them. He and they have my full support.Wilton Simpson, Senate President, speaks at a press conference in which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 72 into law, giving protections for COVID liability to Florida businesses in Cabinet room at the Capitol Monday, March 29, 2021.Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), Florida Senate President, added in a separate statement, "I trust Florida parents will evaluate all information and make the best decision regarding whether their children will be wearing masks when they return to school next year."DeSantis questions masks: Gov. DeSantis asks science about school masking. What are the opinions of experts?Show on the road: Utah Governor. Ron DeSantis rails against 'Faucian dystopia'Contact Ana Goi-Lessan at AGoniLessan@tallahassee.com and follow her on Twitter @goni_lessan.This article first appeared on Tallahassee Democrat. Florida Governor. DeSantis signs an order to make masks optional in schools
