The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education says it will not overturn Governor John Bel Edwards order that everyone wear masks in schools.
"There are no plans to call a special meeting," the board said in a news release.
It comes after BESE adjourned last week's meeting while scores of protesters refused to wear masks at the meeting and repeatedly interrupted the proceedings. The board was scheduled to hear public comment and expert testimony.
BESE President Sandy Holloway, a Republican from Thibodaux, and Vice President Kira Orange Jones, a Democrat from New Orleans, now say they will not take up the issue of the mask mandate again.
"As elected officials, we understand our responsibility to listen to those who elect us. We have just as great a responsibility to follow the laws of the State of Louisiana and to fulfill our duty to make decisions to protect the safety, health, and wellbeing of those who elect us as well," the statement read in part. "We will continue to prove through our actions that we prioritize and value health, human life, and respect for the laws that govern our state and country - just as we did with our vote to adjourn last week. We will not put the safety, health, and wellbeing of citizens at risk."
The board leadership accused protesters and some lawmakers of "refusal to follow the law, intimidation, bullying tactics."
The governor’s current executive order runs until September first. He could extend it.
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