Secretary of Education Says Civil Rights Law Allows Him to Challenge GOP Mask Mandate Bans

In an interview with the New York Times, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said taking legal action against Republicans blocking mask mandates in schools is not outside the realm of possibility.

Cardona stated he was “appalled that there are adults who are blind to their blindness, that there are people who are putting policies in place that are putting students and staff at risk.” He argued federal civil rights give him the justification to take action against Republican governors making executive orders banning mask mandates.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, President Joe Biden said he would allow the Department of Education and Miguel Cardona to explore legal action. “Unfortunately, as you’ve seen throughout this pandemic, some politicians are trying to turn public safety measures into political disputes for their own political gain” said Biden.

In typical liberal fashion, Biden relegated to the word science as an end all be all. Biden said of school boards implementing mask mandates, “I will stand with those who are trying to do the right thing” because they are “following the science” and putting “students first.”

Biden says his administration will not tolerate “intimidation and threats” against schools and schools boards from Republican governors. Cardona sent letters to Republican Governors of Florida and Texas last week threatening to withhold money.

“Any threat by Florida to withhold salaries from superintendents and school board members who are working to protect students and educators (or to levy other financial penalties) can be addressed using ESSER funds at the sole and complete discretion of Florida school districts” wrote Cardona.

As National Review writes, “rather than outlawing mask-wearing in public schools, states such as Florida and Texas have banned mask mandates, leaving it up to parents, rather than the government, to make the decision for their children.”