Virginia Public Schools Attempt to Defy Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Doubling Down on Masking Rules

Public schools in Virginia are doubling down on their mask rules in light of a slew of executive orders signed by newly sworn-in Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), asserting they will “continue to require all individuals to wear masks.”

Over the weekend, Youngkin signed nine executive orders and two executive directives at the Virginia State Capitol, covering a range of topics — from targeting Critical Race Theory to combatting human trafficking. One of the orders, however, specifically empowers parents, allowing them to decide whether or not their child wears a mask in school:

The order reads in part [emphasis added]:
 

1. The State Health Commissioner shall terminate Order of Public Health Emergency Order Ten (2021).
2. The parents of any child enrolled in a elementary or secondary school or a school based early childcare and educational program may elect for their children not to be subject to any mask mandate in effect at the child’s school or educational program.