Oklahoma state school board doesn't budge on mask policy

Although campaigns for statewide mask policies have gained steam, state education officials again on Thursday declined to require face coverings in Oklahoma public schools.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education passed a resolution during a virtual meeting Thursday to restate its support of mask wearing to prevent spread of COVID-19. But the board didn’t waver from its position against a statewide school mandate.

“How are we going to force individuals or districts to make sure that they mask up other than we’re going to challenge your accreditation if you don’t?” board member Estela Hernandez said. “I think that’s troubling.”

Another board member, Carlisha Williams-Bradley, questioned the necessity of the resolution and said it “seems performative.” The board approved similar statements twice before, neither of which put requirements on the books.

Read more: https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/story/news/2020/11/13/oklahoma-state-school-board-doesnt-budge-mask-policy/6281104002/
(Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise)