On Monday, September 20, 2021, the school board serving Dubuque Community Schools  tabled a discussion on whether or not to require face masks to be worn by students and staff during the school day. 

We, the residents of Dubuque and those within the boundaries of the school district, are signing this petition to urge our elected school board members and our superintendent of schools to leave politics out of this discussion on whether or not to require masks and to look at the facts and research when making your decision about the health and well-being of our students.  We are urging you to require face masks for the students and staff at Dubuque Community Schools when the board meets again on October 12th. 

COVID-19 is impacting Iowans and unlike last year, we are seeing an increase in those under the age of 17 contracting the virus. One difference? Last year our students wore masks. The science is clear, masks help prevent the transmission of COVID-19. This is especially important for the unvaccinated, in this case, children under the age of 12.

The guidance from the CDC & AAP clearly states that masks should be worn in schools. We are urging you to use their guidance and to put politics aside and do what is best to keep our kids and community safe. 

MIT - Masks mandates have major impact, study finds​

KXAN - Do face masks work? ​

Still Confused About Masks? Here’s the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus​

US Dept of Education​

Children and COVID State Level Data Report​

Largest study of masks yet details their importance in fighting Covid-19