New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta issued the following statement today regarding Nassau County’s executive order on masks in schools:
“It’s unbelievable that nearly two years into the pandemic we have to debate the critical importance of mask wearing as part of a layered COVID-19 mitigation strategy in schools. Particularly given the current spike in cases, now is not the time to do away with mask wearing in schools. Public health experts have been unequivocally clear that masks are an important part of the strategies designed to keep students, educators and our communities safe. And the governor was clear this afternoon that state law prevails in this matter. We continue to support the state’s mask guidance for schools and call on all districts to continue following these guidelines.”