DPVA Press Release: School Divisions Across Virginia Reject Glenn Youngkin’s Illegal Executive Order Banning Masks in Schools

Press release from the Democratic Party of Virginia:

School Divisions Across Virginia Reject Glenn Youngkin’s Illegal Executive Order Banning Masks in Schools

Richmond, VA — From Arlington to Albemarle, school divisions across Virginia are rejecting Glenn Youngkin’s dangerous anti-science executive action and keeping mask requirements in schools to ensure the health and safety of K-12 students.

In response to school divisions taking action and following CDC guidelines as COVID-19 cases in Virginia surge, Glenn threatened to use official state resources on Sunday to force schools to comply with his illegal political stunt.

“It’s a sad situation when local school boards in Virginia understand the law and the science more than the governor of Virginia does,” DPVA Chair Susan Swecker said. “Masks are essential to keeping students safe and schools open, but Glenn would rather use our children as political cover to appease the extreme, far-right fringes of his own party.”

Glenn’s executive order rejects the science and violates Senate Bill 1303, which was signed into Virginia law last year. This law ensures that students are kept safe while receiving the maximum amount of in-person instruction time. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support from the entire Republican caucus, including Speaker Todd Gilbert, voting for the legislation.

Glenn’s illegal actions have made clear that he will choose to appease the far-right instead of protecting Virginia’s children, keeping schools open and governing for all Virginians.

School divisions keeping mask requirements: 

• Arlington  
• Montgomery
• Fairfax
• Loudoun
• Henrico
• Richmond
• Alexandria 
• Prince William 
• Roanoke 
• Pulaski 
• Charlottesville
• Albemarle