Next week, residents of Dallas will see most of their 150,000 students return to school, and as of August 10th, that return will include masks for all children and staff. In July, Governor Abbott issued an order blocking all government institutions, including schools, from requiring masks or covid vaccines. Still, with the recent surge of cases, many entities are disregarding the order. For example, Dallas courthouses have already required masks on all premises, and Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner requires them for all city employees unable to social distance.
While masks were not initially part of the school district’s plans for the new school year, Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa feels the move is necessary due to the current surge in cases and the area moving into threat level red. “Now we’re at an urgent crisis,” Hinojosa said.“ Despite any authority the governor has… he’s responsible for the state of Texas, I’m responsible for Dallas ISD.”
In addition, it has been shown that most students perform better in the classroom as opposed to on virtual learning, and the Dallas ISD feels it is crucial to get kids back to school as safely as possible for them and their teachers. Both the school board and the local teachers’ union support Superintendent Hinojosa’s order. “We want to thank Superintendent Hinojosa for taking bold action and listening to medical advisers and science about what is happening,” said Rena Honea, president of the chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents around 5,000 Dallas ISD staff members.
Governor Abbott’s office has not commented on the school district’s decision to require masks at this time, but school officials say they are ready to fight any punishment handed down.