School Where Masks Aren't Mandatory Loses Legal Challenge

HUDSONVILLE, Mich. (AP) — A judge on Tuesday ruled in favor of local health officials in western Michigan in a dispute with a school over masks and a coronavirus infection.

Libertas Christian School in Hudsonville sued to stop the Ottawa County health department from closing the school. But U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney declined to upset the agency's orders.

The health department said Libertas refused to make masks mandatory and had failed to supply information about a virus case involving a teacher.

"The county established a compelling interest for the names and contact information requested in the cease-and-desist orders. ... The county has established that such measures are a necessary tool to slow the spread of the virus," Maloney said.

The judge, however, declined to rule on the school's challenge to the mask order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's administration. Maloney said state courts can consider it.

The health department said Libertas can reopen Friday for in-person learning if students wear masks.

"This is the same mandate being enforced by all other Ottawa County schools," the department said.

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Here's A Look At Michigan 2020 Election Results

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Election Officials Project Detroit Voter Turnout Highest In More Than 20 Years

MORE FROM CBS DETROIT: Henry Ford Health System: More Than 33,000 Patients Tested Negative For Covid-19 In Last 30 Days, 2,180 Tested Positive

© 2020 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.