ST. LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - An Ilinois judge issues a restraining order on school mask mandates, however some school districts have their own legal take on the lawsuit.
Friday, the Central Illinois judge ruled that Governor JB Pritzker overstepped his authority with the statewide school mask mandate.
The Collinsville School District sent a letter to families Sunday saying:
"After consultation with district legal counsel, Friday’s ruling means the children of the five families in our district who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit will no longer be required to wear masks and they will not be excluded from school if they are determined to be a close contact to a positive case."
The district says their attorneys have determined the ruling doesn't apply to all students. Masks will continue to be required of students and staff.
Edwardsville Schools issued a similar statement to families.
In Highland, school administrators have a different take:
"All districts named in the lawsuit are grappling with very difficult decisions and face liability regardless of the continued path forward. We will likely see complaints of contempt of court or additional adverse action depending on decisions we make."
"The district will not be enforcing the mask requirement and identifying close contacts for purposes of quarantine starting Monday morning per the judge’s ruling. Masks will be encouraged, but not required!"
State Attorney General Kwame Raoul says he will appeal the Sangamon County judge's order, saying the decision sends the message that all students don't have the right to safely access schools -- especially if they have disabilities or other health concerns.
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