Tempe Union High School District Keeps Mask Requirement

TEMPE, AZ — Tempe Union High School District have joined the list of districts in Arizona that will continue enforcing mask requirements.

The district's decision comes a day after Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order ending enforcement of school mask mandates.

In a letter to TUHSD parents and staff, district superintendent, Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil said nothing has changed in regard to policies surrounding masks in schools.

"As you may have heard, Governor Doug Ducey issued an Executive Order earlier this afternoon rescinding a previous Executive Order regarding the wearing of masks in K-12 schools.

In accordance with TUHSD’s Governing Board policy JICA-R (webpage), item K, we will continue to ask our students and staff to wear masks during the school day and at all times when on District property. This measure also aligns with our District Health Mitigation Plan (webpage).

I know we all look forward to the day that we don’t have to wear masks anymore, but today is not that day. In order to finish out the school year strong, hold safe in-person graduation ceremonies, and continue to minimize community spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, we ask that you continue to adhere to the current mask policy."

The district's letter comes after Ducey tweeted out his order on Monday afternoon, saying the requirements were no longer necessary given the way students, staff and parents have handled themselves.

Teachers, families and students have acted responsibly to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect one another, and our school leaders are ready to decide if masks should be required on their campuses. 3/

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/dougducey/... 19, 2021

Here's a running list of the school districts in the state of Arizona that still require masks inside schools:

• Scottsdale Unified School District
• Tolleson Union High School District
• Peoria Unified School District
• Phoenix Union High School District
• Mesa Public Schools
• Tucson Unified School District
• Amphitheater School District
• Catalina Foothills School District

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.