Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced that the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has issued an emergency rule aimed at enhancing parental rights regarding mask mandates in schools. The rule emphasizes the role of parents as key decision-makers concerning their children's health, including decisions about mask-wearing in educational settings.

"Montana students deserve to be back in their classroom in as normal and safe an environment as possible. Montana parents deserve to know their voices are heard in schools when health-related mandates for their children are being considered. They also deserve to know that schools are reviewing reliable data and scientific research about the impacts of mask mandates on students," said Governor Gianforte.

He expressed concerns over what he described as inconclusive research supporting mask mandates, stating, "Unfortunately, mandating masks for students is based on inconclusive research that fails to prove masks’ effectiveness in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 in the classroom." He added that some studies show adverse effects from masking on children's health and development.

The emergency rule directs schools to consider parental concerns when adopting mask mandates and allows parents or guardians to opt-out for various reasons, including physical, mental, emotional, psychosocial health needs, developmental requirements, or religious beliefs.

DPHHS Director Adam Meier highlighted potential negative impacts of universal masking on children. "A number of scientific studies indicate that universal mask use among children can adversely affect their health and development," he stated. Meier encouraged schools to implement mitigation strategies with minimal restrictions to enhance learning outcomes for Montana's youth.

The emergency rule takes effect immediately.