Anti-mask states might face civil rights investigations, secretary of schooling says | Information

By Jason Wilson Last updated Aug 23, 2021

States preventing schools from imposing masking obligations on teachers and students could face federal civil rights investigations, Education Minister Miguel Cardona said Sunday.

He wore masks as part of student rights, although he expressed his reluctance to withhold federal funds from states that block them.

“We are ready to investigate with our Civil Rights Bureau to ensure that all students have access to this fundamental right to education. And it’s sad that we’re talking about it now, ”Cardona told NBC“ Meet the Press ”.

“We will use our civil rights office to investigate any claims made to ensure that students’ rights are upheld,” he added.

Florida and Texas governors have tried to prevent school districts from imposing masking obligations – a matter that has become more urgent as COVID-19 numbers rise nationwide.

But last week, Texas dropped its ban due to legal challenges.

Florida is pushing ahead with its mask mandate ban, with state government threatening to withhold payroll funding for school board members in counties in need of masks.

Cardona said Florida can’t block federal funding for the counties in question, adding that he also doesn’t want to use federal funds to punish states that ban mask mandates.

“I spoke to the superintendents of these two churches and let them know that we stand behind them. And yes, they can use the funds promised so that they can safely reopen the schools, ”he said.

Regarding the aftermath of potential civil rights investigations, Cardona said: “When we talk about withholding funds, the victims are the students. That’s why we want to make sure that we communicate with them. “

The comments came as the US saw the second largest increase in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. only last winter’s climb was worse.