Finding Iowa’s Ban on Masks in Schools Likely to Violate ADA, Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking Iowa from banning mask mandates in local school districts. The judge found that the state’s ban substantially increases the risk of children with health conditions being infected with Covid-19.The case was brought by parents of children with disabilities and health conditions. The parents argue that the ban violates the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act by excluding students with disabilities from public schools and equal access to education since they’re at higher risk for COVID-19.”A universal masking requirement instituted by a school is a reasonable modification that would enable disabled students to have equal access to the necessary in-person school programs, services, and activities,” the judge wrote.