Lawsuit Takes on Mask Mandates in New York Schools: Parents Sue for Alleged "Emotional Distress" Caused by Mask Enforcement
Parents Sue New York School District for Mask Enforcement Causing Emotional Distress
What's your take on masks? Overrated or essential? Let us know in the comments below!
February 3, 2023
Two mothers in New York, Monique Parsons and Jennifer Venth, have sued the Riverhead Central School District (RCSD) for causing "emotional distress" to their children by enforcing face covering mandates at Pulaski Street School and Riverhead Middle School. The mothers have accused the district of violating New York Civil Rights Law and implementing measures that are "cruel, unusual and illogical." The lawsuit claims that the masks were not medically tolerable for the children and did not prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Despite a New York State mandate being overturned in January 2022, RCSD informed families that masks would still be required in their buildings. Parsons and Venth's lawyer argues that the "so-called educators justified their conduct as 'furthering the public health,' but it was never about public health." RCSD has declined to comment on the pending litigation, but denies any allegations of wrongdoing or violations of law.
The lawsuit highlights the increasing concern among parents across the country over education policies, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. School board meetings have become battlegrounds between parents and officials, reigniting the debate over how much control parents have over their children's education.
Arguments against masking
The reasons cited in the article for why masks are seen as "ridiculous" are:
The children were not diagnosed with COVID-19 and did not exhibit symptoms of a communicable disease.
The masks caused harm as the children could not medically tolerate them.
The masks did not prevent transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as they had holes and gaps and did not properly fit around children's faces.
The parents accused the school district of violating New York Civil Rights Law by implementing the mask mandates.
The parents described the mandates as "cruel, unusual, and illogical" and that the masks had caused harm to their children.
The lawsuit claims that the school district had implemented the mandates in a manner that was "reckless, intentional, and knowingly" and that they had "segregated, ostracized, and tormented innocent, healthy children."
Other arguments against masking:
Masks can cause physical discomfort, including skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and headaches.
The use of masks can hinder effective communication, as it muffles speech and makes lip-reading difficult.
The efficacy of masks in preventing the spread of infectious diseases is still up for debate and not universally accepted.
Wearing masks can lead to a false sense of security, causing people to neglect other important preventive measures such as social distancing and hand washing.
The widespread use of masks can result in environmental waste and pollution.
Masks can be costly and can create a financial burden for some individuals who need to wear them frequently.
Masks can negatively affect communication for people with hearing impairments or speech difficulties, especially for children.
Prolonged use of masks can cause skin irritation, rashes, and other skin conditions.
Masks can increase carbon dioxide levels and reduce oxygen levels, causing headaches and other symptoms.
Wearing masks can create feelings of anxiety, stress, and emotional distress, especially for children.