Hanover, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Hanover NAACP is calling the Hanover School District's decision to make masks optional for the beginning of the school year "totally irresponsible." The district voted 4-3 last night for optional masking, after a contensious meeting, and despite the fact numerous districts voted for mask mandates.
The Hanover chapter is calling for another meeting for the board to listen to experts used by Hanover Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Gil to craft his mask recommendation. Gil had proposed making unvaccinated students and staff wear masks for the time being. The NAACP chapter also wants the decision reversed, before in their words, a teacher or child gets sick or dies.
Governor Ralph Northam's office also issued a statement, saying "while the vast majority of school divisions have complied with the law, it's clear there are a few that need additional clarification. We plan to provide that shortly, and fully expect all school districts will do the right thing." Northam believes state law requires districts to mandate masks, although the State Senator Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) does not. She helped craft the law Northam is referencing.