Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo DeSantis clamps down on student mask rules as Florida breaks another Covid recordTALLAHASSEE Governor. Ron DeSantis' effort to end school mask mandates was a success despite legal challenges from parents. Education officials passed a rule to protect students who are not wearing masks from COVID-19 harassment.These developments almost ensure that Florida's fight over K-12 student face coverings will continue, even as new Delta virus infections sweep through the state in record time.On Friday, the Florida Department of Health approved an emergency rule that allows school districts to avoid strict mask requirements for students. This gives kids the option to opt out of local mandates. The state Board of Education also approved a new rule which gives parents vouchers to send their children into private schools, or to another school district in other counties, if they don't like masks.These policies were issued at the order DeSantis and set the scene for the coming school year, with many counties challenging Republican governors' opposition to safety measures expanding. These actions highlighted the political stakes DeSantis faced as Covid-19 hospitalizations and cases reached new heights.Ben Gibson, vice-chair of Florida's Board of Education, stated that if a school district has a requirement for a mask, they must allow parents to opt out their student. It prioritizes parental choice.DeSantis has been criticized by President Joe Biden and Democrats as well as health care professionals for downplaying its severity and preventing cities from enacting mandates or restrictions on public health.As he strives to reelect himself and run for the presidency in 2024, the Republican governor has made his opposition to lockdowns and mandates central to his appeal. His policies have come under increasing scrutiny due to the rise in cases across the state. Florida had more than 22,000 infections on Friday, which is the highest single-day total since the pandemic began.State agencies made it possible for students to opt-out of mandates on masks. This was a step in the right direction against counties like Alachua or Broward, which have implemented blanket district-wide requirements for student face covering. Duval County approved a mask mandate that included an opt-out clause. This appears to be consistent with the DeSantis administration.Friday's Board of Education meeting warned of possible sanctions against districts that don't comply with the masking policy.Gibson stated Friday that if we find a school district that is unable or unwilling to follow the law, we, the state board, have the authority to withhold state funds or use other tools in our arsenal.The Board of Education has backed the voucher rule to protect students against COVID-19 harassment. This term was created by state officials in order to provide parents with another way to avoid mask rules.This allows parents to transfer their children to private schools or other school districts under the Hope Scholarship voucher program. This type of award is usually reserved for students who have been victims of bullying or violence at school.Covid-19 harassment was defined by the state as a wide range of threats or discriminatory actions that students could experience due to school Covid-19 protocols. This includes masking and isolating nonmasked students.Parents who called Friday's board meeting criticized the language as irresponsible, reckless, and others claimed that the rule did not protect students' right to wear masks to school. One caller wanted to know if the Delta variant exists.Parents filed a lawsuit against the Republican governor to stop the DeSantis administration from taking action on masks. DeSantis is accused of creating an illegal barrier that prevents students with disabilities from returning to schools.The lawsuit states that parents are forced to make difficult choices between their child's health and safety and returning to school.Florida schools are ready to receive students starting next week.
