Some of Arizona’s school children will be subjected to mask mandates until at least sometime after November 2 thanks to the Arizona Supreme Court and a Maricopa County Superior Court judge.
On Friday, the Court accepted the State of Arizona’s appeal of Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper’s ruling that a law prohibiting mask mandates, vaccine passports, and the teaching of Critical Race Studies was unconstitutional.
Cooper ruled in favor of the Arizona School Boards Assn (ASBA) and other education groups, that challenged budget bills which contained the prohibitions and various other provisions. The ASBA challenged the laws on the basis that the bills either violated Arizona’s Constitutional “title requirement” or single subject rule.
The Court’s refusal to grant a stay to the State of Arizona worries some onlookers, who are concerned that it may indicate early Court sympathies are not with the State’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision means parents may not decide whether or not their kids should wear masks, and Arizona school kids are unprotected from the divisive curriculum which is the product of Critical Race Theory.
Despite the fact that the Arizona Legislature has employed the same budget practices for years, adding marginally germane items to various budget bills, Cooper struck down key parts of three budget-related bills, and one bill in its entirety.
“I am pleased the Arizona Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction in the case because Arizonans deserve clarity as soon as possible,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich, whose office must defend Arizona law.