Federal judge overturns Texas' ban on school mask mandates, citing disabilities law

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled that Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order prevented "disabled students’ access to public education."

By Colton Salaz

Published: November 10, 2021 10:24pm

Updated: November 10, 2021 10:47pm

A federal judge on Wednesday overturned Texas' ban on mask mandates in schools, saying it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to the Texas Star Tribune, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled that Gov. Greg Abbott's executive order prevented "disabled students’ access to public education."

The ruling comes after vaccine and mask mandates continue to cause political clashes, causing state and local officials to launch numerous lawsuits challenging any such mandates.

The judge's decision also prohibits Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton from suing school districts which have decided to require students to wear masks while in class.

Following the decision, Paxton took to Twitter to vent his concerns. "I strongly disagree with Judge Yeakel's opinion barring my office from giving effect to GA-38, which prohibits mask mandates imposed by government entities like school districts."

"My agency is considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," Paxton concluded.