Fourth grade teacher Stephanie Madison works with student Jacob Class on the first day back to in-person school for fourth and fifth grade students at Myers Elementary School on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Oregon school districts can’t offer classes in-person to students who won’t wear masks, the Oregon Department of Education said Tuesday.
The department updated its guidelines and recommendations for school district Covid protocols Aug. 17, adding an expectation that districts work with families in cases where students or family members refuse to wear a mask at school for reasons other than a disability or medical need.
But the document was clear that unmasked students can’t attend classes in-person.
“In the case that a student or family chooses not to wear a face covering for reasons other than medical need or disability, schools should follow district processes to determine how to respond keeping in mind both the responsibility for health and safety and the student’s need to access education,” the guidelines read. “Conversations should be progressive and lead to resolution that ideally does not involve suspension. Schools cannot serve a student in-person if they or their family choose not to wear a face covering. Schools may offer a remote or online school option for the student.”
It’s unclear how the rule will play out practically, particularly if a large number of students or parents won’t wear masks. The Salem-Keizer School District offers an online program called EDGE, but spots were nearly full as of Aug. 16, with no more high school slots available.
-Rachel Alexander
