A Lansing elementary school is arguing against the mask mandate saying it prevents students from getting a Catholic education. Resurrection School, which is a Lansing Catholic school, has filed a lawsuit against the state. Specifically, the lawsuit is against Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon because of his mandate that requires mask wearing in schools all day due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Other plaintiffs in the suit are parents of the students.
This case is in front of U.S. District Court Judge Paul Maloney. The plaintiffs are asking him to strike down the “unreasonable” order for schools. They argue it is damaging developmentally and religiously.
“In accordance with the teachings of the Catholic faith, Resurrection School believes that every human has dignity and is made in God’s image and likeness,” the plaintiffs said in the lawsuit. “Unfortunately, a mask shields our humanity. And because God created us in His image, we are masking that image.”
The plaintiffs have asked the judge to grant a temporary restraining order, that would allow the school not to enforce the mandate for now. They are still waiting for a response from the judge. Others included in this lawsuit are Attorney General Dana Nessel, Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail, and Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney Carole Siemon. When the Governor’s orders were overturned by the Michigan Supreme Court, Ingham County issued its own order.
The plaintiffs also said that masks are a “symbol of oppression,” and an “attempt by the Government to control citizenry.” They feel that “Wearing a mask conveys the message that the wearer has surrendered their freedom to the government.”
The lawsuit also states that the school mask mandate gives the impression that Covid-19 continues to be a terrifying and deadly threat. The lawsuit says Plaintiffs oppose this message. Covid activity since August shows 29 Covid-19 outbreaks in pre-schools and elementary schools. They are common place in high schools and colleges.
