GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – Grosse Pointe Public Schools is debating whether to make its mask mandate optional.
A resolution introduced Monday night by Board Trustee Lisa Papas effectively challenges the legality of Wayne County to have a mask mandate. Papas and several parents who spoke during public comment Monday, cited the state budget bill, which includes language by Republicans that some interpreted as a possible loss of funding for counties with emergency health orders that are not supported at local levels. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the budget into law a month ago.
That prompted several counties to drop mandates for schools, but not Wayne County. Several parents spoke out against the proposal saying the board should trust the county health department and medical experts.
Papas’s resolution had support of at least one other board member, but others expressed reservations. One said parents in favor of masks optional should ask themselves if they want to do something that might jeopardize in-person learning.
Other board members discussed getting a legal opinion before making a formal vote which is expected to happen at the next scheduled meeting Nov. 22.