Courts Asked To Block Iowa from Enforcing Ban On Mask Mandates In Schools

(Council Bluffs ) In-state and federal courts, judges are being asked to temporarily block the state from enforcing its ban on mask mandates in schools. Fran Parr of Council Bluffs is the mother of twin boys in the first grade.  She filed a lawsuit in state court last month, arguing schools have a duty to protect students from the coronavirus. During a Thursday hearing in Polk County District Court, Parr’s attorney, Daniel McGinn, said it is unreasonable for state lawmakers to forbid local school boards from requiring masks.  He said it served no educational, medical or scientific goal and was just enacted for political reasons.  A federal judge in Des Moines will hear legal arguments today (Friday) from a group of parents of children with disabilities who are challenging Iowa’s ban.