Masking debate continues in Upper St. Clair School District after emergency ruling

UPPER ST. CLAIR, Pa. — In light of an emergency ruling to keep a mask mandate in place within the Upper St. Clair School District, parents on both sides of the debate made their voices heard Monday night.

The district’s masking policy was not on the agenda for the school board meeting, but that didn’t stop people from weighing in.

Last month, the school board voted to make masks optional in schools. However, five families of students who are at high risk of COVID-19 filed a federal lawsuit to stop that change.

Initially, a judge sided with the school board, but the attorney representing the families sought an emergency injunction in an appeals court. It was granted, keeping the mask mandate in place temporarily until the court makes a final decision.

>>PREVIOUS STORY: Federal court issues injunction, orders Upper St. Clair to keep mask requirement

That doesn’t sit well with some people.

“Without resolution of this matter, our children will continue to be in the middle of a long, drawn out litigation that could take months, if not years,” one person said at Monday night’s school board meeting.

Others are OK with masking being kept in place.

“It would seem a mask is a small item, a small price to promote inclusively and safety until such time as community transmission rates from COVID cool off,” another person said.

The lawsuit claims the school district has about 400 students who are at high risk of COVID-19 because of preexisting conditions.

It’s unclear when the court will make a final ruling in the case.

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