Brookline School Committee Passes Mask Mandate

Brookline MA

20 August, 2021

8:47 AM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline School Committee passed a mask mandate for students and staff ahead of the upcoming school year at a special meeting Tuesday night. According to the policy, all students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear a face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth in school buildings, on school transportation, and at school-sponsored activities regardless of social distancing. The new policy also prohibits gaiters, balaclavas, bandanas, and coverings with valves, as face coverings must fit snugly and be secured with ties or ear loops. Masks will not be required while outside or when eating or drinking. "The Public Schools of Brookline are committed to providing a safe environment at schools during the COVID-19 pandemic," says the policy. "According to public health experts, one of the best ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep members of our school community safe is to wear face masks or face coverings." School community members may be exempt from the mask mandate if they have a medical, behavioral, or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a mask. However, non-exempt students who violate the policy will be given a mask and assistance on how to wear it and those who refuse to comply will be sent home on an emergency basis and could be removed from in-person learning until they can follow the mandate. The School Committee briefly discussed a possible mask mandate for staff and eligible students, but Vice Chair David Pearlman said although he thought it was an important discussion, any such mandate could have labor union implications. "Obviously we would need to be very thoughtful about how we approach any type of mandate that we would want to impose," said Pearlman. Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday that he is still not considering a statewide mask mandate and will continue to leave that decision up to local leaders.