Bill giving parents decision making authority over masks in schools clears Senate

Parents can choose whether their child wears a mask in schools

Schools will not be able to treat students differently based on their masking preferences

Sen. Ballard: "It's past time to give our students a lifeline."

Raleigh, N.C. – The N.C. Senate approved a bill making masks optional in K-12 schools and early childhood programs on state property, thus giving parents control over the decision to mask their children.

Parents and students across the state have told their school boards that masks should not be required anymore.

"Our youngest students are suffering under these mask mandates. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how difficult your first few years of school would be if you had to wear a mask," Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), who serves as the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, said. "Giving parents the ability to choose whether their child wears a mask balances the specific needs of a family. It's past time to give our students a lifeline and let them get back to learning freely."

For years we've known that school-aged children are at a lower risk for severe COVID-19, yet they're the ones who continue to bear the brunt of the masking requirements. As Democrat-run states begin lifting mask mandates, they're still requiring young students to continue wearing masks in schools. Studies are beginning to show that masks are having detrimental effects on their social and emotional development.

Previously school boards had to vote on their masking policies every 30 days, but that requirement is repealed in this bill. The bill does not supersede any federal requirements for masking on school buses. Schools are prohibited from treating students differently -- academically or otherwise -- if they do not wear a mask.

Senate Bill 173 passed the Senate 28-17. The House approved the bill and it now goes to Gov. Roy Cooper for his consideration.