On September 17th of 2021, JB Pritzer implemented a mask mandate for all schools in Illinois, effectively removing the ability for students, teachers, and staff to exercise free will. We have been told for two years that if we follow the mask requirements, which we have, get our vaccinations and boosters, which we have, then life will soon return to normal. Over 85% of Hinsdale Central students are vaccinated, as well as almost all teachers. At non-school events where mask wearing is optional, there has been no evidence of outbreaks or increases in Covid hospitalizations among our students and friends.
We are exhausted from being manipulated and exploited into wearing masks. The constant fear-mongering of our government and now our school administration is tiring. We should not stand for it any longer. It is time we stand up for ourselves, and exercise our freedom that we have been given, based on the recent ruling.
On February 4th, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by a group of parents and teachers regarding mask mandates, vaccinating requirements, and testing in schools across Illinois. Judge Grischow ruled that the emergency mask mandate and guidance from the Governor, IDPH & ISBE are void. The mask mandates in our schools are illegal. No authority exists under the law to mandate masks in our schools for students or staff without due process.
In the Lawsuit, Hinsdale Central is directly named as a defendant in the case.
Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow states:
Defendants are temporarily restrained from:
a. Enforcement of EOI8, E024, E025 as they pertain to the issue before the Court and the
Emergency Rules issued by the IDPH and ISBE; Ordering school districts require the use of masks for students and teachers who occupy their buildings, if they object, except during the terms of lawful order of quarantine issued from their respective health department, in accordance with the IDPH Act;
If District 86 chooses to continue the mask mandates, you are knowingly breaking the law and exposing yourself to significant liability. It is time we stand up for ourselves. We have followed your rules for the last two years, now it's time we follow the law.