A Superior Court of Arizona judge struck down a law blocking Arizona schools from requiring masks as unconstitutional on Sept. 27.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order banning mask requirements in schools on June 15. In August, the Arizona School Board Association Inc. and others filed litigation asking the court to end Arizona’s ban on mask mandates in schools.
CJ Karamargin, communications director for the Office of the Governor, said that the ruling is an example of judicial overreach.
“We are still reviewing the ruling, but this decision is clearly an example of judicial overreach,” Karamargin said in an email. “Arizona’s state government operates with three branches, and it’s the duty and authority of only the legislative branch to organize itself and to make laws. Unfortunately, today’s decision is the result of a rogue judge interfering with the authority and processes of another branch of government. Further action will be taken to challenge this ruling and ensure separation of powers is maintained.”
On Twitter, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich said his office would appeal the ruling.
“It’s unfortunate that left-wing groups want to undermine the legislative process and indoctrinate our children with critical race theory and force vaccines on those who don’t want them,” Brnovich said in a tweet.
The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) released a statement today, supporting the ruling.
“This week has reinforced what we already know: school masking is safe, effective, and legal in Arizona,” said AzAAP President Jason Daniel Vargas. “We hope that the court’s ruling and the growing body of research around the effectiveness of masking in classrooms will convince schools to do the right thing and implement this crucial layer of protection. In-person learning provides countless benefits to students, including socialization, access to nutrition and mental health resources, and learning tools that are unavailable virtually. The best way to ensure that our kids can remain in the classroom, remain healthy, and start thriving again is through universal masking in schools.”
Masks are not required at Queen Creek Unified School District schools, but they are recommended for staff members.
Jessica Bautista, director of marketing and public relations for the Queen Creek Unified School District, says that most parents are supportive of the policies.
“The Queen Creek Unified School District has mitigation protocols in place for the health and safety of students and staff, including recommended face coverings,” Bautista said in an email. “The district does not anticipate a change in policy at this time. A vast majority of QCUSD parents have expressed support for the current policies.”
In addition to mask recommendations, protocols for Queen Creek schools include intensifying cleaning and disinfection and keeping hand sanitizers near the entrances to classrooms.
Editor's Note: Stay tuned, the Queen Creek Sun Times is keeping a close eye on this developing story and we'll continue to update you right here at queencreeksuntimes.com.
