Executive order sends dangerous message
To other leaders here in Shelby County and across Tennessee, stand with us
1,783 family members, friends, and neighbors gone.
That’s the toll COVID-19 has already had here in Shelby County—without even considering the economic, social, and emotional loss to our community.
As we enter the fourth semester of school impacted by the pandemic, I desperately want our children to return safely to their classrooms this fall, where they can be supported by a caring educator and experience some sense of normalcy. To get there, we need to follow the science: mask up, and get vaccinated.
Governor Lee’s executive order granting parents the right to opt their children out of school district masking requirements defies the guidance of our medical experts and ignores the science—making it more difficult for our children to thrive, and threatening the health and safety of our students, educators, and families.
This is purely a political stunt—a stunt that sadly, may cost lives.
We’re forgetting the purpose of masks
Masks aren’t just about protecting yourself; they protect those around you, including others who may be more at risk of serious complications.
The safety of our children, educators, and families should never be politicized, only prioritized.
As a member of the Shelby County School Board, we instituted a masking requirement for all employees, students, and visitors of our schools because we value the lives of every individual who walks through our doors. Like school districts across the nation, Shelby County Schools is following science and data to guide decisions about providing COVID-19 protection for students, teachers, and staff.
Masking protocols exist to create a safe in-person learning environment for our students so that they can get back into the classroom.
With the Delta variant surging in Shelby County, it’s more important than ever that we continue these, and other, protocols to protect ourselves and those around us.
I am deeply disappointed by Governor Lee’s irresponsible order and flagrant disregard for our children’s safety—all for the sake of grandstanding. Last weekend alone, 49 children in Tennessee were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 90% of ICU beds statewide were occupied. Now is most certainly not the time to disregard public health measures.
To other leaders here in Shelby County and across our state, stand with us, and also to the countless doctors and medical experts who implore us to continue wearing our masks and require masking for inperson learning this fall.
Most importantly, to the countless parents who are wrestling with what to do this fall, I encourage you to talk with your child’s teacher about the safety protocols in place in their school, and then abide by them. Masking may not always be comfortable or fun, but it’s a small price to pay to save lives.
If we work together and follow the science, we can make this school year a success.
Sheleah Harris is the Shelby County School Board Commissioner for District 5.