Williamson County School Board Removes Mask Mandate In Unexpected Vote
Photo Credit: Williamson County Schools
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Williamson County school board voted to remove the county’s mask mandate Monday night, despite recommendations from Superintendent Jason Golden and litigation counsel to defer the vote pending a federal court hearing on Friday.
Democracy Forward, a team of experienced litigators whose bio claims they have “successfully challenged bad actors and their unlawful policies” helped bring a lawsuit against Governor Bill Lee over his executive order allowing parents to opt their students out of school mask mandates on behalf of some Williamson county students with disabilities.
Another lawsuit was filed immediately after Lee signed the bills pertaining to COVID-19 on Friday, from the third special session last month. Of 8 Tennessee students represented in the new lawsuit, one is a plaintiff from the first lawsuit. Judge Waverly Crenshaw ruled that school districts can continue enforcing mask mandates despite the new law that essentially bans them.
Despite the litigation counsel’s recommendation to wait to vote on masks until the school board could receive further guidance after the court meeting, no one on the board appeared eager to offer a motion that aligned with that advice.
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Jay Galbreath made a motion instead to remove the mask mandate which Dan Cash seconded. New board member Josh Brown, National Vice President of Pfizer, observed during discussion that out of the Williamson County school population of 42,000 – 43,000 students, COVID case counts were effectively zero, and he supported the motion to remove the mandate. The motion passed 7 to 5.
The vote came as a surprise to Tennessee Stands who announced the decision in a Facebook post Monday night.
In the comments, Franklin resident Rob Parrish said, “Board going against Golden and outside counsel is something I never thought I would see…”
Rhonda Carter chimed in saying, “Common sense has ruled FINALLY.”
While Brooke Lakin said, “Now let’s work on Shelby and Knox!”
Shelby county, who also has a student represented in a lawsuit, is still mandating masks, as is Knox county and Metro Nashville Public Schools.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and contributor to The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
