Students in the Dallas ISD are back on campus today, and they're wearing masks— despite a new ruling by the Texas Supreme Court.
The court sided with Governor Greg Abbott by issuing a stay in the legal battle over mask mandates in Texas. The order appears to halt mask requirements put in place by county leaders in both Dallas and San Antonio.
But Dr. Michael Hinojosa, Superintendent of the Dallas ISD, says the district's lawyers don't believe the order applies to the DISD because the district is not specially listed. Therefore, students are still required to wear masks.
"I need to be able to have the tools to run this school district the way we see fit," Hinojosa says. "It's ironic that we don't believe in local control when our situation is in the situation that it's in."
Students will be given masks and if they refuse to wear them, Hinojosa says they will be isolated. He says he's aware the district's decision isn't going over well with everyone— he's already gotten an angry letter from a parent threatening to sue.
On the other hand, Hinojosa says President Biden called to tell him that he supports the district's choice. As for Governor Abbott— Hinojosa says he hasn't heard from him at all.
"This has become political football, and unfortunately our families are in the middle of it," Hinojosa says. "We have to weigh all of the factors and make the best decision that's in the best interest of the school district. Protection is number one."
