It has been over a year since the pandemic started and we have learned a great deal about Covid-19 since March 2020. One of the key points we have learned is that Covid-19 is not easily transmitted by children or in the classroom setting. There is also a lack of quality evidence to support the idea that masking in children works to prevent the spread of COVID. Last year, when a vaccine was not yet available, masks were mandated to be worn to help curb the spread to students and teachers. Now that we have a number of high-quality studies showing asymptomatic people do not spread the virus, that risk of transmission by children and in classrooms is extremely low, and now that there is a vaccine available to not only teachers, but parents as well, masks should no longer be required for our children.

Masking should be made optional for the 2021-2022 school year. It should be parent’s right to decide what is in the best interest of their child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. There are a number of studies that show the harms of masking children, including social anxiety, increased risk of infection from masks, and impaired learning. Our children have already had to suffer through over a year of masking in school. There is no longer a need to cover their smiles. BSS Parents- help protect our school’s children by signing this petition if you agree that masks should be made optional.