Florida’s education commissioner wants superintendents across the state to make face coverings voluntary for students, teachers and staff in upcoming school year.
Richard Corcoran's memo Wednesday says masks “serve no remaining good at this point in our schools.”
It said masks are a personal decision, and "data shows us that districts' face covering policies do not impact the spread of the virus."
That goes against the consensus of public health experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which say mask-wearing in schools and elsewhere is key to preventing the spread.
Statewide, only 20% of Florida's population is fully vaccinated.
WUSF has asked the Department of Education for more information on the research Corcoran cited, but has not received any further details.
Teachers union officials say the only way to safely and successfully reopen schools is by following CDC guidelines, and that includes masks.
