La Joya ISD announces intention to sue Gov. Abbott, issues mask mandate
LA JOYA — During an emergency meeting late Wednesday, the La Joya Independent School District Board of Trustees voted to authorize legal counsel to file a lawsuit against Gov. Greg Abbott and the state of Texas over the ability to make local decisions regarding student and staff health and safety.
A statement from Superintendent Gisela Saenz posted 10 minutes before the meeting began says that effective Thursday the district will begin temporarily requiring students, staff and visitors to wear masks on district property.
“Governor Abbott’s Executive Order does not limit the District’s rights as an employer and educational institution to establish reasonable and necessary safety rules for its staff and students,” she wrote. “ La Joya ISD remains committed to the safety of our students and staff and assures our parents and community that we are doing everything in our power to combat this virus. Safety first benefits us all.”
That policy directly contradicts a May executive order from the governor that expressly prohibits school districts requiring masks.
Read more: https://myrgv.com/local-news/education/2021/08/11/la-joya-isd-announces-mask-mandate-intention-to-sue-gov-abbott/