Senate Democrats Abandon Families in Vote Against Mask-Optional Policy

Raleigh, N.C. — Today, the N.C. Senate attempted to override Gov. Cooper’s veto of the “Free the Smiles Act,” which returned the decision-making authority on wearing face masks in schools back to the parents, instead of politicians. Every Democrat voted against overriding the veto, despite two previously supporting the bill.

The bill originally passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

While the majority of school districts in the state dropped mask mandates, there are still districts that are inexplicably requiring students to wear masks even though COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations are declining.

We’ve known for quite some time that school-aged children are at a lower risk for severe COVID-19, yet they’re the ones who continue to bear the brunt of the masking requirements. This legislation would not have prevented students from wearing masks if they chose to or if there was an outbreak.

“Gov. Cooper and the Senate Democrats are working against parents,” Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), the chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee said. “This bill provides a level playing field for all families across the state since politicians continue to ignore the parents who are speaking up for their children. It’s disheartening that the Senate Democrats would choose to turn their backs on families and disregard the effects masking has on our young children.”