In the public controversy over the wearing of masks in schools, many legal theories have been advanced by non-lawyers and some lawyers as well questioning the legality of government-imposed mandatory masking requirements in light of the COVID pandemic. Some of the proponents of these theories advocate non-compliance as a remedy and some more cautiously suggest legislative fixes or legal challenges.
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For School Boards Caught In the Middle of the Mask Debate
September 7th, 2021The Mask Mandate: The Rest of the Story
September 2nd, 2021Schools should establish a process for parents to request an exemption from the mask mandate. Upon receipt of such a request, a school team must convene.
Governor Wolf Announces State-Wide Mask Mandate for All Pennsylvania Schools
August 31st, 2021Today, Governor Wolf announced the Order of the Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health mandating universal face coverings within K-12 schools and childcare facilities.
Does Religious Exemption Hold Same Legal Weight As Medical Exemption Against School Mandates?
August 27th, 2021We are accustomed to two exceptions that seem to roll off the tongue at the mention of mandates – medical and religious. These two exceptions, however, do not apply with equal force.
Update to Title IX Regulations: The New Department Of Education Speaks
August 25th, 2021Unlike the Obama-era “Dear Colleague Letters” which were merely “significant guidance,” these new Regulations were enacted with notice and comment rule-making and applied uniformly with the force of law to all schools receiving federal funds of any kind, pre-K to vocational and postsecondary educational institutions.
What Does Long COVID Mean For Your Students?
August 17th, 2021Just as schools have had to adapt and react to those with acute symptoms of this deadly virus, they must also understand and react to members of the school community experiencing long COVID.
COVID Prevention Strategies Remain Critical to Protect School Communities This Fall
July 20th, 2021On July 16, 2021, PDE advised school entities to follow current CDC guidance.
Amendments to Sunshine Law Make Big Changes in School Board Meeting Procedures
July 8th, 2021Act 65, effective August 29, 2021, tightens agenda requirements for school board meetings.
Act 65 of 2021 Amends the Sunshine Act
July 8th, 2021Act 65 of 2021 will amend the Sunshine Act, 65 Pa. C.S. §§701-716, to require the following:
Governor Wolf Signs Act 66, Offering Optional Year of Education Due to COVID
July 6th, 2021The law offers parents and adult students the authority to request retention and, in some cases, an additional year of education as a result of learning lost during the pandemic.