Metro East Sun

Kevin Schmidt, GOP candidate for State Representative in the 114th District, is encouraging schools to drop masking.

“It is time for everyone to get back to normal and this is especially true for our kids," Schmidt told the Metro East Sun. "So many kids have regressed academically because of these mask mandates. To keep forcing these kids to wear masks is unspeakably cruel. They deserve better,” 

“These school districts simply are ignoring parents and ignoring science. There is no good reason to keep forcing kids to wear masks at this point. The indoor mask mandates have been lifted statewide. Most school districts have gone to mask optional. It is time to let kids be kids and get rid of the mandates.”

“The kids at these schools with the mask mandates need parents and local leaders to stand up and advocate for them. Keeping kids in masks at this point is just cruel. These kids need people with the courage to stand up for them.”

Schmidt’s remarks come after Oak Park 97, the last public school district in the state to require masks, switched its policy to "mask recommended" on Thursday.

Following a series of court rulings that noted the unconstitutionality of the state mandate, it was the last school district in the state to enforce masks.

While masking is no longer allowed in public schools, The School for Little Children, an Evanston preschool, noted it is continuing the mask mandate through the remainder of the school year, despite infections in children not posing a significant Covid threat.

The new 114th District is entirely encompassed by St. Clair County. It includes the communities of Millsatadt, Freeburg, Mascoutah and East St. Louis. 

In 2020, Schmidt ran in the primary for 116th House District, coming in second to State Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud).