Illinois teachers unions blast downstate judge’s ruling that prohibits enforcing Pritzker’s mask mandate

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Unions representing Illinois teachers are blasting a ruling by a downstate judge that prohibits the enforcement of the governor’s mandate involving masks in schools.

The Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Federation of Teachers said the ruling by Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow is a threat to public safety.

The CTU said, in a statement, the decision is “troubling” and “deeply flawed.”

But it said since the judge also ruled that collective bargaining agreements are still enforceable and the CTU negotiated one with the district that guarantees masking in the schools.

Dan Montgomery, president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, said the decision “is legally faulty and a threat to public health and a threat to keeping  schools open for in-person learning.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, in a statement, the decision would have “grave consequences.”

The state is appealing.

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