DeSantis’ ban on school mask mandates violates state constitution, judge rules

Enlarge / Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference. (credit: Getty | SOPA)

A Florida judge on Friday struck down Governor Ron DeSantis' controversial executive order barring school districts from mandating masks in schools.

Reading from his notes, Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper said DeSantis' ban does not meet constitutional muster," according to a CBS affiliate in south Florida. Cooper's ruling has not yet been put in writing, but he said he plans to sign the order Monday. He added that he expects the ruling to be appealed, which DeSantis vowed to do on Thursday in advance of his loss.

In his decision, Cooper sided with eight parents who sued DeSantis, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, the Florida Department of Education, and the Florida Board of Education. The parents claimed that the ban prevented educators from ensuring a safe learning environment for their children and "endangered all Floridians."

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