LTHS Will Continue Mask Requirement Policy

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport Township High School District 205, one of 145 school districts named in the Austin v. Pritzker lawsuit brought by parents across the state last year, is continuing to require wearing face masks at the school.

Many school districts in the area are no longer requiring face masks, in response to a Sangamon County judge issuing a temporary restraining order declaring that certain emergency rules adopted last year by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education are void. The ruling means that students who do not want to wear a mask and unvaccinated school staff who do not want to be required to be vaccinated or take weekly COVID-19 tests must be afforded due process.

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"It is our understanding that the temporary restraining order applies only to the parties within the lawsuit," the district said. "This temporary restraining order will be appealed and may be stayed, meaning that the order could be placed on hold or dismissed while the appeal is decided."

Aside from the named parties in the lawsuit, the district said it will continue to require face masks and school exclusion for close contacts. Masking on school transportation is also still required, per a federal mandate, according to the district.

"The order issued by the Judge Grischow on Friday is being appealed, and we will be required to follow any new ruling from the appellate court and/or Illinois Supreme Court," the district said. "We are acting with patience as this court case moves toward a definitive resolution."

In response to the lawsuit, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul will seek expedited appeal of the order, which came in response to several lawsuits filed against nearly 170 school districts by parents and school staff.