Samuel Case, FISM News

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On Sunday the Texas Supreme Court sided with Governor Greg Abbott in upholding his mask mandate ban, which prevents schools and local governments from requiring face masks. The court’s decision overturned a ruling by the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas, and serves as a temporary injunction until a formal hearing can be conducted.

On Twitter Abbott celebrated the ruling, while also clarifying that “the ban doesn’t prohibit using masks. Anyone who wants to wear a mask can do so, including in schools.”

Governor Abbott announced in March that Texas was ending its mask mandate and opening up to 100% capacity, making Texas one of the first major states to do so. Two months later Abbot signed an executive order that would fine counties, cities, and government agencies that continue to require masks.

Both Dallas and Bexar Counties had instituted mask mandates in defiance of the Governor’s ban, indicated they will also be defying the Supreme Court ruling, with Bexar county saying “mandating the use of masks in public schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12th remains in effect. City facilities will also continue to require the use of masks for both staff and visitors.”

Meanwhile the Dallas superintendent stated, “Until there’s an official order of the court that applies to the Dallas Independent School District, we will continue to have the mask mandate.” Although the Irving Independent School District  indicated it will follow the court order.