Lake County Gazette

Senate Minority Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) is blasting Gov. J.B. Pritzker's vow to take his school mask mandate crusade all the way to the state Supreme Court as just more of the same reckless behavior that has marred his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Governor’s quest for total control over our schools appears to be continuing as he once again is doubling down on his mask mandate on students,” McConchie said in a statement. “Pritzker is failing to accept defeat as his ego and desire for power continue to lead him through his decision-making process. It’s clear that the Governor can’t stand the thought of loosening his grip on ruling unilaterally through the pandemic, thus he is willing to go to every extent possible to maintain that power.”

While the governor has the support of the Illinois state’s two largest teachers’ unions, McConchie added the fact that he is easing the mask mandate on nearly everyone but students just proves his true motivations are more about maintaining power.

Pritzker recently announced the state will lift the general statewide indoor mask mandate on Feb. 28, but continues to be noncommittal where schools are concerned.

In issuing her order, Sangamon County Circuit Judge Raylene Grischow asserted Illinois law designates IDPH the “supreme authority” in matters of quarantine and isolation, not the governor. She added IDPH is mandated to adhere to standards outlined under the Illinois Department of Public Health Act, including where it pertains to due process requirements.

Since the judge’s ruling went into effect, more than 550 Illinois school districts have gone “fully masks optional” as litigation on the issue remains outstanding. In addition, Grischow has already denied motions in separate cases for there to be class status, meaning the TRO stands to only impact the plaintiffs and the school districts that are part of the lawsuit.

The judge has also recently ordered Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez to appear before the court to face a contempt of court complaint.

"It is ordered that Mr. Pedro Martinez, as agent for the City of Chicago School District #299, and the Board of Education of City of Chicago School District #299, shall personally appear before this court and show cause as to why the defendants should not be held in contempt for failure to abide by and comply with this Court's prior order of February 04, 2022," Grischow’s Feb. 14 order reads.

As part of his legal strategy, attorney Tom DeVore, who has filed suit on behalf of parents against at least 145 school districts, has openly threatened to sue CPS for not obeying a restraining order preventing the district from treating students who unmask differently from those who continue to mask. CPS stands as the country’s third-largest district with more than 347,000 students.

On the day following the Sangamon County court ruling, video captured Hinsdale Central High School officials isolating students who refused to wear masks in the school auditorium. Parents and students told The DuPage Policy Journal the scene played out throughout the day, as was the case across much of the state as more mask-weary students made the decision to attend classes without masks.

DeVore has vowed to start pursuing criminal complaints for contempt of court against school officials who abuse the rights of plaintiffs in the suit.

“If I can confirm that the Hinsdale School District or any school district is isolating children that are plaintiffs in this case, and I know that to be true, I'm going to ask the judge, 'Put somebody in the county jail' as soon as I have the first available opportunity,” DeVore told DuPage Policy Journal. “That's what I'm going to try to do because they cannot do that.”