Chad Long: Divergent masking policies, disparate infection rates

(Long is a professor of political science at St. Edward's University. He has a child who attends school in the Hays district.) Though Austin and Hays County are adjacent to each other, they are worlds apart when it comes to their approach to keeping students safe amid the pandemic. The difference is most evident when looking at the approaches their superintendents and school boards have taken toward wearing masks. The former requires that masks be worn by students and staff on school campuses; the latter does not. I am hesitant to criticize public officials over policy decisions—even ones I disagree with—because I realize how difficult it is to address complex issues in our communities. And unlike many of my fellow Americans, I think almost all actions taken by our officials are motivated by good intentions. The reason that different officials have such divergent views on public policies isn't because of nefarious intentions, but simply different value judgments.

However, when I witness decisions that are egregiously misguided, I must speak out. Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright’s decision not to require masks on school campuses is predicated on the fact that he is following an order from the governor (GA-38). With all due respect, I think he is using that rationale as a shield to protect himself and board members from the vitriol they would surely face from a vocal minority of the community should a mask mandate be reinstated. As he must be aware, there is disagreement among various judges, both federal and state, about whether that order is in fact constitutional. In all likelihood, the Texas Supreme Court will ultimately decide for the governor, but while the legal wrangling is ongoing, it seems to me that superintendents are justified in issuing policies that they think are best for their students. The science is clear that universal masking is very effective, and those who choose not to implement that policy at this time are doing a disservice to our children. Once the matter has been resolved with finality by the high court, then a different discussion can be had, but for now, not requiring universal masking is an abdication of an educator’s responsibility to keep our children safe.