ToplineBranch offices of the University of Wisconsin, and Arizona and Florida school districts are requiring students and staff to wear masks indoors despite statewide regulations and laws prohibiting them. The rapid spread of Delta variants sparks new disputes between local and state governments over mask orders.Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference held in Miami on July 13, 2020. AFP via Getty ImagesThe Key FactsAfter the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Milwaukee campus had imposed a mandate, Tuesday saw the University of Wisconsin-Madison implement an indoor mask mandate. The directive came after the Wisconsin GOP-controlled state legislature voted Tuesday to allow the public university to request permission to impose a Mask Order or other Covid-19 policies. This could lead to a possible showdown, as the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that it is unclear if the university will seek approval from lawmakers regarding the policy. Phoenix Union High School District, and the Elementary School District will require all staff and students to wear face masks despite Arizona's ban on school mask mandates. This has prompted a lawsuit by a Phoenix high school teacher attempting to get rid of the requirement. After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibited school districts from imposing their mask mandates last Wednesday. However, Alachua County and Duval counties have made the decision to require masks as a result of Covid-19's surge in the state. Schools in Arkansas, South Carolina and Iowa prohibit the use of masks.Important QuoteFlorida Education Association released a statement Wednesday expressing its appreciation for the actions of two counties in following the advice given by doctors in their respective communities. It also stated that it hopes that other districts will follow the lead of these trusted professionals.Chief CriticA spokesperson for Arizona Governor. Doug Ducey stated in a statement that he believes the order does not have teeth and cannot be enforced. A spokesperson for Arizona Gov.Big Number57%. This is the percentage of parents who support having unvaccinated students wear masks to school. A Gallup poll was conducted from July 19-26. 60% of respondents support mandated masks for teachers and staff.What to WatchAccording to ABC 15, Arizona legislators are considering removing funding for the school districts whose decision to require masks against state law. The potential consequences are not fatal, however, schools may issue their own mask orders. ABC 15 reports that Tuscon-area schools will be considering imposing a mandate for masks on Wednesday. Columbia's mayor is also looking into imposing a requirement for masks in schools within the city, despite the ban in the state. In light of the spread of delta variants, some statewide bans may be rescinded. Arkansas Governor. Asa Hutchinson asked the Arkansas legislature to reconvene to amend its law banning school-mask mandates. This is being challenged by a parent-led suit. Oklahoma Democratic legislators are also seeking to repeal their state's ban on school mask mandates.ContraMost school districts follow state policies. Broward County in Florida reversed its mask policy in light of DeSantis' school mask order. Schools in Houston won't require masks despite the fact that Houston has defied Texas' mask mandate ban. Salt Lake City school officials stated that the district is being hampered by Utah's restrictions on school-mask mandates. They directed anyone who disagreed with the state ban to contact the state legislature.Important BackgroundThe state bans on local mask orders have been under more scrutiny due to the rising delta variant and new health guidance. This has led to a new wave mask mandates across the country, with cities in Texas & Florida breaking state rules to impose mask orders to go along with schools. The White House has condemned state mask bans. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, told the governors behind them Tuesday that they should get out of the way. DeSantis said Wednesday, "We can have either a free society, or a biomedical secure state."Continue readingArkansas Parents Sue the State for Ban on School Mask Mandates. Could other States Follow? (Forbes)Parents want mask mandates but not vaccinae requirements in schools as Delta Variant Spreads, poll finds (Forbes).These States Ban Schools from Requiring Covid Vaccination and Masks (Forbes).A new CDC mask guidance is being issued by the Delta-Fueled Covid Surge. Here are the states where mandatory masks cannot be legally reimposed (Forbes).Florida and Texas Cities Mandate Masks Despite Statewide BansLive updates and coverage of the Coronavirus
