GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A group of parents will be in court Tuesday trying to remove a mask mandate for Gwinnett County schools. They are asking a judge to overturn the district’s policy.

Officials contend they are keeping students and staff protected from a deadly virus at the state’s largest school district.

A Gwinnett County 5th grader is one student mentioned in a lawsuit filed by parents.

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“It makes me anxious when I have to wear a mask,” the girl said.

Her sister, who’s in the 3rd grade, is also mentioned in the suit.

“When we had to wear masks, I couldn’t breathe that well,” she said.

Their parents and others want a judge to throw out Gwinnett County schools’ mask mandate.

The lawsuit argues Gov. Brian Kemp’s emergency order in July doesn’t give school districts the authority to make wearing a mask mandatory.

“At the end of the day, all parents want is a choice, just give us a choice,” said parent Holly Terej.

School leaders said the reason for requiring masks is to protect its students and staff from COVID-19, and some parents agree.

“The reality is we don’t know what is going to happen with the delta variant,” said Gwinnett County school board member Everton Blair, Jr.

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“It’s not only helping my family but it’s helping other families,” said parent Ashley Suter.

From an academic standpoint, some students complained they can’t hear their teachers when they wear a mask.

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