Today, the Diocese of Dallas announced a policy that requires all students and visitors to all schools in the Diocese to wear mask.  I  feel that this contradicts science, Governor Abbott executive order, and a parents choice. I want to first acknowledge that vaccines are important, and they are best defense against Covid 19.  There is also nothing stopping students or visitors from wearing mask. Just last week, President Biden’s Covid 19 former adviser and top Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm, said, "We know today that many of the face cloth coverings that people wear are not very effective in reducing any of the virus movement in or out."  Studies have shown that the viral load in the Delta Variant is so much higher than the original Covid 19 strain that regular mask do not work. In addition, we know that students are not very good at wearing mask which reduces their efficacy even more. There are examples all over the world that mask mandates do not work.  Most teachers will tell you that masks are distracting for the children and become a distraction in the classroom.

I am asking you to allow parents to make decisions for their family and to follow the science. I am asking you to be consistent with the policies from the Bishop.   By introducing this new policy, you are discouraging more people from being vaccinated. Please do not give into virtue signaling and let our kids have a normal education