As the Texas Supreme Court ruled against Republican Governor Greg Abbott‘s attempt to block a county’s mask mandate on Thursday, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) said that the state would not enforce Abbott’s ban on mask mandates for schools.
Abbott’s request to block a restraining order against his mask mandate ban in Travis County was denied by the Texas Supreme Court, at least temporarily allowing schools in the country to continue to require masks. On the same day, a TEA public health guidance letter said that Abbott’s ban would not be enforced due to multiple legal challenges, according to the Associated Press.
Abbott, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an emergency order banning mask and vaccine mandates for local governments and school districts last month. At least seven Texas counties and 48 school districts have ordered mandates despite Abbott’s ban, while parents, school districts, local governments and advocacy groups have filed lawsuits over the governor’s order.
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This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
