Iowa Gov. Reynolds appeals court decision on school masking

By KAALTV

(ABC 6 News) – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that she has appealed a district court ruling issued earlier this week that allows school districts to impose universal mask mandates, despite a state law passed and signed into law in May 2021.

In May 2021, Reynolds signed a state law banning mask mandates. However, in a lawsuit, several Iowa families in 10 school districts who have children with chronic health conditions argued that the state was violating federal disability rights law. They argued some kids are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, and even if those around them are vaccinated, they should be required to wear masks.

A federal judge ruled in the parents favor, meaning if parents request masks, schools must consider requiring them, in some cases.

A judge previously blocked the law in Iowa, but it was overturned by an appellate court. Governor Reynolds argued the law allowed for exceptions.

In appealing the courts ruling, Reynolds said, “as I’ve said all along, whether a child wears a mask to school is up to the parents, not the government,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I will appeal this ruling so that Iowa families have the right to decide what’s best for their children.”