Both school districts cite new CDC guidelines for lifting the long-running mask mandates. | August de Richelieu/Pexels
Both school districts cite new CDC guidelines for lifting the long-running mask mandates. | August de Richelieu/Pexels
Schools in Atlanta and Decatur lifted mask mandates on March 1.
Both school districts cited new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for lifting the long-running mask mandates, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"While this decision will be celebrated by many of our families, we acknowledge that it is concerning to many others," Maggie Fehrman, superintendent at City Schools of Decatur. "I want to be clear: families and students will be supported in their masking decisions, and bullying or harassment will not be tolerated. Families, please talk about this with your children and stress the importance of respecting the personal choice of others. I will also continue to wear a mask at all times when visiting schools."
Wearing a mask is now voluntary in Atlanta and Decatur schools, though officials in Decatur still strongly recommend doing so, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The policy affects faculty, staff, students, vendors and visitors on school grounds and in buses.
Clayton County School District will continue mandating masks, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. DeKalb County School District lifted its mask mandate on March 2; officials said that while masks are still strongly encouraged, they will not be required.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee recently advanced a measure that would allow parents of Georgia public school students to opt their kids out of mask mandates.
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