Seattle students plan Monday walkout over lifting of mask mandate in schools

SEATTLE — Seattle students are planning a walkout on Monday in protest of the state’s decision to lift its mask mandate for schools.

The walkout is being organized by the Seattle Student Union, which describes itself as “a group of concerned students about COVID in Seattle Public Schools.” Last week, the group demanded that the district reinstate its mask mandate by Friday, citing concerns over how another surge in COVID cases could lead to the return of virtual learning.

The district ultimately did not bring back its masking requirements, but did tell KIRO Newsradio that it “supports our students’ exercise of First Amendment rights” as it relates to Monday’s planned walkout, currently scheduled to take place at 11 a.m.

“We also realize that Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s March 12 lifting of the masking mandate came fast for some and without an extended time for adjustment,” the district added. “Understandably, there are many different beliefs, opinions, reasons, and comfort levels around this decision.”

Masking in schools has been a point of contention for both teachers and students since the Washington Department of Health first announced in early March that it would be recommending that schools, child care facilities, and day camps follow the state in lifting its indoor mask mandate on March 12.

The Seattle Education Association — the union representing teachers in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) — previously expressed that was “deeply disappointed” with the decision to end masking requirements in schools, accusing Superintendent Brent Jones of violating an agreed-upon memorandum of understanding.

That said, SPS also emphasized on Monday that it is “committed to helping students and staff move forward through this time of transition with reassurance, empathy, and respect for the personal choice to mask or not,” and will continue providing COVID testing, vaccines, and masks upon request.

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