Philadelphia is one of the most crime-ridden cities in the country. Apparently, it also leads the country in science denial, requiring public school students to wear masks for the first 10 days of school. Making matters worse, pre-kindergarten attendees must mask up all year. Parents are upset with this policy, but they have options.
These mask mandates are not constitutional and parents have the right to fight back. Here’s why:
Article III, Section 14 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states, “[t]he General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education serve the needs of the commonwealth.”
This means that no child can be deprived of public education. This education is a right, not a privilege. If a child refuses to wear a mask, the school STILL has the legal obligation to educate the child. Granted, schools have the option to require remote learning, that still constitutes an education and would not be a violation. However, if the school sends a child home or throws them in a gym or outside for not wearing a mask, they are in violation of the state constitution.
The only caveat is for the pre-k kids. Most pre-k programs are not state funded. If they are private, the constitutional protection does not apply. However, private schools do not have to adhere to the public mask guidelines either.
Know your rights and know how to speak to your school administrators. These liberal-city teachers’ unions and school districts have become despots, drunk with power. Fight back if you feel that it is important.
