Yesterday at approximately 9:30 p.m., we all received a call from Wayde Byard announcing that, as of 2/17, masks will no longer be required at Loudoun County Public Schools. We know this may come as a shock for many after an entire semester of the enforced mandate. In fact, the battle over mask mandates dates back to the beginning of the school year. We all saw the chaos that ensued at school board meetings which quickly made national headlines. 

Almost immediately after assuming office, Governor Glenn Youngkin eliminated the statewide mandate and signed a new order that effectively barred schools from implementing mandates. 

A brief legal battle ensued. After a highly publicized ruling from the Loudoun County Circuit Court, masks became optional for both students and faculty earlier than anticipated. However, Federal law requires that students still wear a mask on the bus.

It’s important to remember that, as a highly politicized topic, the issue of whether or not to mask up in schools has garnered strong feelings from both sides of the aisle. The first step in addressing this sudden change is to respect everyone’s choice in the matter, even if we disagree. 

If you feel that masks are vital in preventing Covid transmission, then continue wearing a mask. If you feel differently, then stop. In the calm and level-headed setting we strive for, no one should harass you — either way. 

As a school community, we have always prioritized learning, and this ruling should not change that. We understand that this issue may seem exhaustive after all we’ve been through. The best way forward is mutual understanding and maintaining our core values.