Wilson County School Board Officials Threatened Over New Mask Mandate

School Board officials are receiving threats just one day after implementing a new mask mandate for grade school students in Wilson County. The Wilson County Board of Education voted on Monday (December 1) to require face masks for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, beginning the following day on Tuesday.

Multiple school board officials have reported receiving threats, including the district's superintendent who recommended the mandate to the board.

"This has not been a very pleasant day and I think Mr. [Jon] White experienced this as well ... threats from people," said Director of Schools Dr. Donna Wright. "I want to make sure that it's understood that I'm taking this very seriously."

Face masks were already required for 6-12 grade students, but Wright recommended extending the requirement to elementary students at the meeting to help keep the district from moving into virtual learning. Not only does the mandate protect students, they said, but that it helps prevent teachers from getting sick as well. A teacher shortage throughout the first half of the school year was one factor that played into the decision, FOX 17 reports.

Masks will be provided by schools to students who don't have a facial covering, and students with medical exemptions will not have to wear one. The board will revisit the mask requirement during its January 11 meeting when they reassess the county's coronavirus numbers.

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