Joe Biden warns legal action against Governors opposing school mask mandates

With the start of the new school year in the United States, President Joe Biden cautioned governors who reject student mask requirements that they might face legal action for harassing educators who are trying to safeguard students from Covid-19. In the latest political squabble over the coronavirus epidemic, Republican governors in Florida and Texas, two of the country's largest states, rejected health officials' proposals to force students to wear masks when they return to class.

This week, the Florida Board of Education raised eyebrows when it decided to penalise two school districts that implemented mask regulations in defiance of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Biden did not mention DeSantis by name, but his remarks in a White House address looked to be targeted straight at the governor, who is rumoured to be a presidential candidate.
He claims that certain politicians are attempting to convert public safety measures into political squabbles for personal benefit, thereby establishing a hazardous tone.

Also Read | Biden administration blocks Taliban access to $9.5 billion of Afghan monetary reserves

In response, the president directed Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to take "legal action, if necessary, against governors who are attempting to obstruct and intimidate local school authorities and instructors." Biden also blasted protestors who have disrupted school board meetings, singling out irate parents in Tennessee who he said attacked physicians and nurses presenting the case for masking children in classrooms.

Biden also blasted protestors who have disrupted school board meetings, singling out irate parents in Tennessee who he said attacked physicians and nurses presenting the case for masking children in classrooms.

Also Read | 'Leaving Afghanistan without turmoil was unthinkable,' says US president Joe Biden

• Joe Biden
• White House
• COVID
• Coronavirus