Phoenix Union To Require Masks Despite Statewide Ban

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Union High School District on Friday announced it will require all students, faculty and staff to wear masks when classes resume on Aug. 2. The requirement defies a law passed by the state legislature that prohibits districts from mandating masks.

In a release posted to its website, the district cited the highly contagious delta variant as the reason behind its mask guidance.

"We are committed to quality public education and fully recognize the need for in-person learning. Campus health and safety is our top priority as we return next week," the district said in a statement. "To do so, we must — and will — implement mitigation strategies that minimize spread, reduce quarantining, avoid school closures, and enable us to provide mental health services and engaging opportunities such as clubs, sports, and the arts."

Not long before the district made its announcement, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported the largest single-day increase in Arizona COVID-19 cases since March 5 — nearly 2,000 cases, according to a report by AZfamily.com.

While Phoenix Union's guidance bucks current state law, it is in line with current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.