Seven Virginia School Boards Sue Over Governor’s Mask Order - The New York Times

The school districts said in a statement on Monday that the suit “defends the right of school boards to enact policy at the local level, including policies that protect the health and well-being of all students and staff.” The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court for the County of Arlington (not the Arlington District Court, as an earlier version of this item said).

The school officials questioned whether an executive order “can unilaterally override” the authority given to local boards by the state constitution.

The suit also disputes whether the governor’s order can override legislative action taken in 2021 that allowed students to attend classes in person while local school boards follow recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Without today’s action, school boards are placed in a legally untenable position — faced with an executive order that is in conflict with the constitution and state law,” the lawsuit says.