Regarding the controversy over requiring school children to wear masks, there are a few facts to consider.
Since 1918, every state has enacted compulsory education laws. In Wisconsin, compulsory attendance (with exceptions for home schooling) applies to children between the ages of 6 and 18. Violation may result in the parent or guardian being fined up to $500 and/or prison up to 30 days for the first offense, and up to $1,000 and or/prison up to 90 days for the second offense.
Under these requirements, the state board of education and the school districts enter into an implicit agreement that they are responsible for the child's safety and well-being during the compulsory hours of education.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services' state that all teachers, staff, students and visitors of K-12 schools wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.
These two facts are clear and irrefutable. The logical conclusion seems to be that if the state requires our children to be in school and the same state says the best practice for the safety of all children is wearing a mask in school, then there should be no question that masks be mandatory in school.
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As a resident over the years in three area school districts, and now with grandchildren, nieces and nephews in two of those, many times when I have gone to administrators or school boards with concerns about curriculum, dress codes or other regulations, I was told I was not an educator and I should leave those decisions to the people who knew better. Likewise, parents are not medical professionals, they are not educated scientists in the field of contagious disease and virology. Perhaps it's time they are told the same thing; let those who know better make the decision.
Judith Liebaert,
Solon Springs
