Governor Abbott has banned mask mandates in the state of Texas, but one school district has found a loophole and isn't afraid to use it.
According to a press release from the Paris Independent School district, face coverings have been added to the district's dress code to protect students and employees.
The release further states:
'The Texas Governor does not have the authority to usurp the Board of Trustees’ exclusive power and duty to govern and oversee the management of the public schools of the district. Nothing in the Governor’s Executive Order 38 states he has suspended Chapter 11 of the Texas Education Code, and therefore the Board has elected to amend its dress code consistent with its statutory authority."
Other school districts across Texas attempted to mandate the use of face coverings, but Gov. Abbott and Attorney General Paxton have vehemently opposed them.
“Under Executive Order GA-38, no governmental entity can require or mandate the wearing of masks,” said Governor Abbott. “The path forward relies on personal responsibility—not government mandates.
Of course, we can't forget the irony of the situation. While Gov. Abbott sides with personal responsibility against COVID-19, he just recently tested positive for the virus.
On August 17, a press release from Gov. Abbott's office read:
"Governor Greg Abbott today tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The Governor has been testing daily, and today was the first positive test result. The Governor will isolate in the Governor's Mansion and continue to test daily."
The Governor's office has yet to comment on the new loophole found, but I'm sure they will soon.
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