Dear editor,
As a parent and community member, I am concerned about the USD 257 Board’s decision to make face masks optional. We know that there is an overwhelming consensus among pediatricians, immunologists, and public health officials that universal masking significantly reduces the spread of infections.
We know that the delta variant, which is now dominant in Kansas, results in more pediatric cases and more frequent hospitalizations of children.
Vaccination protection is not an option for children under the age of 12. As a society, we have a responsibility to protect our children.
For these reasons a mask requirement for all of our students and staff is a necessity for the health and safety of our children and community.
I have listened to people talk about the mental health impact of wearing masks. It is not wearing the mask that has the greatest negative mental health impact. It is the school shutdowns, loss of sports and activities, quarantine, social isolation, living in a constant state of high stress, and loss of loved ones. Wearing a mask will help reduce, not increase, the negative mental health impacts of this pandemic.
Undoubtedly, the mask issue does present a conflict between the right of an individual to do as they want and the right of others to a healthy and safe environment.
Rights do not exist without responsibilities.
At this time, a mask requirement in our schools is the most responsible course of action. I urge USD 257 board of education members to reconsider this decision.
Rachel Haigler,
Carlyle, Kan.
