Florida’s Second-Largest School District Rolls Back Mask Mandate After Gov. Ron Desantis Threatens To Cut Funding

Broward County school district in Florida has rolled back its mask mandate after the governor threatened to cut funding.

This past Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order blocking schools from requiring masks in school. The order also stated that it would cut funding from schools that implemented a mask mandate, CNN reports.

Last week, South Florida’s second-largest school district, Broward County, announced it would require staff and students to wear masks. The district’s move was in response to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing new guidance, urging everyone in K-12 schools to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

After DeSantis’ executive order Broward County issued a statement saying it would be following along with the governor’s enforcement, “Broward County Public Schools intends to comply with the governor’s latest executive order,” read the statement from the school district.

“Safety remains our highest priority. The district will advocate for all eligible students and staff to receive vaccines and strongly encourage masks to be worn by everyone in schools,” the statement continues. “The district will also work to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of our schools, physical distancing, hand washing, and staying home when sick.”