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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