Federal judge sets timetable to consider state’s restrictions on school mask mandates

Courtesy Metro Nashville Public Schoolsvia Facebook

The first hearing has taken place in a case that challenges the new Tennessee law limiting when mask mandates can be applied in schools.  

Over the weekend, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw ordered that, for now, schools should continue operating as they had been. And Crenshaw stayed with that opinion at a status hearing Monday, when he extended the order.

More: A federal judge has ordered that school mask mandates can stay

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, released a statement in response to the postponement of the law.

The injunction was misguided and the epitome of judicial overreach. Hopefully this injunction will be temporary as the judge looks at the legislation in its entirety, including provisions to accommodate ADA students and others with special needs.

— Jack Johnson (@SenJohnson) November 15, 2021

“Tennesseans expect public policy, including vaccine and mask mandates, to be formulated by their elected representatives, not by activist judges,” Johnson said.

Franklin school district, where Johnson represents, is allowed to have a mask mandate, along with Metro Nashville, Shelby and Williamson. Knox County must continue with their court-ordered mask mandate. 

Crenshaw says he has concerns about state officials creating a one-size-fits-all policy to masking in schools.  

The trial is set for Friday at 9 a.m. Expert testimony will begin that day, but it’s likely a decision on the case won’t come until December.