Mask Debate Goes Before Hinsdale D-181

HINSDALE, IL — A lawsuit seeking to end the state's mask mandate in school districts may succeed, so School District 181 in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills is preparing to continue the rule, the district said Tuesday.

On Thursday, the school board plans a special meeting at 7 p.m. It is set to be entirely virtual.

District 181, which serves elementary and middle school students, is among 145 districts being sued by attorney Tom DeVore over mask mandates. He represents hundreds of parents.

According to a district statement, its attorneys had long believed the judge would rule against DeVore, meaning Gov. J.B. Pritzker's statewide school mask mandate would stand. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the mandate and rules excluding students for pandemic-related reasons, unless districts follow certain procedures, District 181 said.

But the judge's comments last week indicate she may rule in favor of DeVore and that her ruling would be effective Friday, the district said.

At Thursday's meeting, the board would consider a resolution allowing it to continue pandemic-related rules, including the mask mandate. The district has not made available a copy of the resolution.

"Due to the nature of this topic, we anticipate a large gathering of those wishing to make public comment," the district said in its statement. "In the interest of public health, we are offering a written public comment form and this meeting will be held virtually."

The district said it plans to share all written comments with the board before the meeting and post them on its website. The district said it may cancel the meeting, depending on the court's ruling.

In the western suburbs and throughout the country, mask mandates have sparked heated debates. In December, mask supporters shouted down a resident who spoke out against masks and refused to wear one at an Elmhurst School District 205 meeting.