[ad_1]
The ruling temporarily banned lower court rulings that allowed city governments and school districts to maintain their mask mandates despite Abbott’s March waiver. Both Dallas, which has introduced masking mandates in schools and businesses, and San Antonio, which requires masking in its schools, received lower court backing last week.
Austin ISD responded to the ruling via Twitter, saying they would uphold the mandate despite the Supreme Court decision.
The school district emailed a reminder to parents following the Supreme Court ruling, citing Travis County Judge Andy Brown about the city’s decision to keep masks in schools. AISD students will return to classrooms on August 17th.
“Until we get into litigation directly with the governor, we will maintain our requirement that public schools require masks,” Brown told KUT.
The decision contradicts Governor Greg Abbott, whose executive order in March bans local governments from enforcing the masking of businesses, schools or government buildings. Austin maintained his masking rules long after Abbott’s orders and was indicted by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton later that month.
Responding to the Supreme Court decision, Paxton warned other masked districts, including Austin, “to use this decision as a reminder” that “the governor’s order will stand.”
In a statement on Sunday, the city of San Antonio responded to the ruling, saying that Bexar County’s mask mandate, which includes all public schools and municipal facilities prior to the K-12, will remain in effect.
“The response from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County to the Texas Supreme Court continues to emphasize that the governor cannot use his emergency powers to suspend laws that give local entities the flexibility to act in an emergency. Its suspension power is designed to facilitate action. “Don’t prohibit it,” San Antonio prosecutor Andy Segovia said in a statement
Similarly, the Dallas ISD announced on Sunday that it would continue masking requirements in schools as well, although nearby Irving ISD said they would abide by Abbott’s order.
Previously planned hearings on the mask mandate in both counties will begin on Monday as planned.
Austin remains at Level 5, the highest of its risk-based recommendations, and continues to maintain a mask mandate in schools and on town property despite Abbott’s orders. Mayor Steve Adler said the city will continue to enforce masking, particularly within Austin schools, until the state makes a final decision.
Articles from your website
Related articles on the web
[ad_2]
