Multiple studies have shown that masks reduce transmission of COVID-19, including research by the ABC Science Collaborative, which is coordinated by the Duke University School of Medicine. Some public health officials have argued mask mandates are especially important because vaccines only recently became available to elementary-age students. "I think it's the fact that it's so hypocritical that you can go anywhere, that you can go sit down and have a nice dinner and not wear a mask, but you can't sit at school 3 feet apart from everyone and not wear a mask," said Poulson, who said she's been placed on administrative leave.Īmong organizations that recommend mask mandates in schools are the American Academy of Pediatrics. Natalie Poulson, a special education specialist at the northwest Spokane school, told KXLY on Tuesday she was one of the staffers who was escorted off school property by district personnel at about 10:30 a.m. He said educators cannot see the facial expressions of their students, thus losing an important connection to their learning and called on the district to discuss the benefits versus the risks of requiring masks in schools. He noted that many children are not wearing masks properly are touching them without sanitized hands and in some cases are chewing on them. The peaceful protest, O'Doherty wrote, was undertaken out of his concern that mask wearing is having a negative effect on the education, social and emotional well-being of children. He issued an apology Wednesday: "I am truly sorry if my actions on Tuesday resulted in confusion or anger for anyone, especially after Finch Elementary was thrust into the media." Although we respect the varying opinions that exist regarding masks, we are required to follow the mandate and have taken the appropriate steps to ensure the situation is addressed."Īmong those escorted from the school was principal Shane O'Doherty. The letter continued: "SPS's district staff quickly addressed this situation, with limited impact to classroom and the school environment. The letter went on to state that "several staff members, including the school principal, chose not to adhere to the requirement and refused to wear a mask."
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