We, Sarasota Students for Justice, are greatly concerned by the recent crusade of Sarasota parents who are aiming to have the mask mandate removed from our schools. Masks are vital for keeping our students safe- they protect students, teachers, and staff from the coronavirus. It has been scientifically proven that masks are effective. It is essential that we keep masks in schools so our schools can stay open, and students, teachers, staff, and families can remain safe. 

If we want to end the pandemic and to allow all students to return to school, we need to do our part to keep the number of cases down- we need to take the necessary safety precautions. We should not base these important decisions on ignorance and political rhetoric- we must base our decisions on science and facts.

Furthermore, how can we keep our schools open in good conscience while knowing that we have created an unsafe environment for our students? If we were to lift the mandate, we would not only risk the lives of students, teachers, and staff- we would risk the lives of their loved ones. We would run the risk of having members of our school community infected with the coronavirus, and, in turn, they could infect those who they hold dear. We must take a stand against ignorance, and keep our schools safe- we must keep the mask mandate in place.