Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin recently signed a law which will make masks optional in public schools across the state. School districts have until March 1 to comply
“I’m not excited about this. I always knew this day would come and I also knew I would never be ready for it,” English teacher Julia Hanneman said. “I think that the whole situation is really complicated especially considering it has been tied really politically, even though it never really should have been. This makes a very difficult decision for students, especially because there will be plenty of kids around them who will continue to wear masks. It might come to the point where students pick on eachother for whether they do or don’t wear a mask.”
FCPS released a statement on Fri. Feb. 18 that discussed their updated guidance on masks. The statement did not clarify what FCPS’s plans are. They are likely waiting for more guidance from the CDC.
However, some surrounding counties like Loudoun County Public Schools announced that they will repeal their current mask mandate to follow the new law.
“Personally I’m going to keep wearing the mask and it has some pluses to it,” junior Mia Mendez said. “I think if people don’t wear it that’s up to them. The virus is becoming more common and people are treating it like it is normal now. I know if I get sick I’ll be fine, but I don’t know about other people’s bodies.”
While FCPS will not be allowed to make masks required for students, they can still make masks mandatory for staff.
“My big concern is that if numbers go up again or if we have another variant in the future, once masks are off it is hard to put them back on. I had Covid myself and it was not as much fun as it sounds.” English teacher James Bryant said.
There have been outcries from the Democrats, who argue that the law is unconstitutional.
The original version of the law would have gone into effect on July 1, however, Youngkin used an emergency clause to put the law into effect instantly. Some Democrats predict that this will be challenged in court because the Virginia state constitution requires a four-fifths vote for an emergency clause and this clause only had a majority vote.
“I think that the removal of the mask mandate is stupid because Covid is still here and it’s not going away anytime soon,” junior Maya Mann said. “I’m still going to wear my mask to protect myself and to keep others safe. It’s convenient right now since it’s still cold so it’s covering more of my face and keeps me warm.”
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