I’m one of the #Chesapeake13 — a group of Chesapeake Public School parents who is suing our newly elected Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) for using an Executive Order to make masks optional in our public schools. My kids are fourteen and four, meaning that my youngest isn’t even able to get vaccinated. For the last five years I have advocated for public health and safety in our public school board meetings and have been a member of Chesapeake Advocates for a Responsible Return to School since the Covid pandemic began several years ago. This group of CPS parents, students, teachers and staff has been fighting with our School Board to keep all mitigations in place to protect our loved ones and prevent the spread of Covid. Many of us have family members who are especially vulnerable to respiratory disease. We were elated when our General Assembly passed SB1303 that clearly states our school boards “shall implement CDC strategies to the fullest extent practicable.” Due to this state law passed by our then Democratic majority in the General Assembly, our CPS community has been protected by a mask mandate for the last eighteen months.
But now that is under threat. Governor Youngkin made lots of campaign promises to rid Virginia of our mask mandate in our public schools and on his first day in office, he made good on his promise. With one stroke of the pen, Governor Youngkin thinks he can overturn the state laws that protected our kids and our public schools. This is the height of hypocrisy considering his own kid attends a private school where masks are required, but I guess he feels medical protections are only for those with the power and money to afford them.
Thankfully, this is Virginia and not Florida. We have a strong case and are getting calls from terrified parents and educators all over the state who want to file a petition similar to ours. But we really could use your support. Currently our parents’ group is funding our legal petition out of our own pockets — won’t you please spare what ever you see fit to help us fight for our kids and their teachers? Every little bit helps. Thank you. Follow and support us on Twitter: @CPS_safereturn and tag us #Chesapeake13