The Smithtown Central School District (SCSD) joined other local school districts in requesting the state alter its mask guidance for primary and secondary schools. The move follows other districts, such as Port Jefferson, Hauppauge and Commack, all of which sent letters of protest to New York State.
The SCSD cites the state reaching the 70% vaccination threshold as cause for easing the restrictions around schools. In one letter the district wrote that “During your [Governor Andrew Cuomo’s] press conference on June 7, you stated the following ‘We hit 70 percent, we will be back to life as normal.’”
The district then points out that “Without an update regarding the wearing of masks, we can assure you that school life will not be normal for our students and the staff that serve them.”
Furthermore, the district asked for clarification on outdoor graduation ceremonies since the state is allowing all other types of outdoor gatherings. Other school districts, such as Half Hollow Hills Central School District (HHHCSD), are plotting a more brazen course. HHHCSD is no longer requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test result for their outdoor graduation ceremonies. Masks will also no longer be required at their moving-up ceremony.
Shortly after the letter was issued by the SCSD on June 15, Governor Cuomo held a press conference at Freedom Tower in New York City. The Governor announced that all COVID-19 restrictions in the state had been lifted — except for those applying to schools and hospitals.
Many parents went to Facebook to voice their outrage with the decision to leave the mandates unchanged in schools. More than one parent was especially confused, considering that children are the most likely to survive the virus and the least likely to transmit the virus.
On June 4, New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Zucker, wrote a letter to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stating that, unless the CDC provided evidence to the contrary, school mask mandates would be rescinded starting June 7, 2021. Masks would still be encouraged. The June 7 date came and went, however, and while desk shields came down, masks remained. There appears to be some conflict between the Governor and Health Commissioner over when these mandates should be rescinded.
The issue of whether or not children should wear masks may seem mundane, but it was a driving force in school board elections across the Island last month. It has even become a flashpoint in the gubernatorial race with presumptive GOP nominee Rep. Lee Zeldin taking aim at Gov. Cuomo over his decision.
Now parents and school boards – and students – must wait to see how the Governor will respond to their many letters and complaints.
