Score One for Abbott as Texas Supreme Court Blocks Mask Mandates

The fight to mandate masks in schools took a blow, as the Texas Supreme Court sides with Governor Greg Abbott to temporarily block mask mandates.

CNN reports that the ruling by the Texas Supreme Court only temporarily blocks the mask mandates in San Antonio and Dallas, but school officials in those cities say they will continue the fight and plan to continue to enforce at least a portion of the mask mandates despite the court's ruling. More hearings on such mandates will continue in lower courts in both Bexar and Dallas counties.

Both counties have also requested restraining orders against enforcement of Abbot’s order. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says, “We won't stop working with parents, doctors, schools, business + others to protect you and intend to win that [temporary injunction] hearing."

Get our free mobile app

Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order prevents governmental entities, like schools, from requiring masks. With the recent surges in COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant infecting younger kids, many school districts are asking Abbott to let them require masks as a means to keeping staff, faculty, and students safe.

Last week, two Texas judges issued restraining orders on the mask mandates to which Ken Patton, Texas' Attorney General, appealed to The Texas Supreme Court, which announced their ruling on Sunday afternoon.

Following the Supreme Courts decision, Paxton tweeted, "Let this ruling serve as a reminder to all ISDs and Local officials that the Governor's order stands."

Dallas ISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa responded by saying the courts decision does not pertain to his district, and vows to stay with the Dallas ISD's mask mandate.

Looks like a showdown is coming. This seems far from over.