East Islip Among LI Districts To Say Masks Optional After Ruling

EAST ISLIP, NY—After Monday's Nassau County Supreme Court ruling that the New York State mandate is unconstitutional, East Islip Union Free School District sent a notice announcing that masks are now optional in school.

East Islip was one of several districts to send similar letters to parents on Monday night. Sachem, Massapequa and Plainedge were among at least 19 others.

Governor Kathy Hochul said she plans to fight the decision.

Since the state filed an appeal, however, there is an automatic stay on the new court decision, meaning mask mandates must stay in place until a further ruling, according to a statement from the New York State Education Department.

The East Islip letter was sent at 9:46 p.m. on Monday and no further communication was sent addressing what the appeal might mean for the district's policy as of late Tuesday morning.

East Islip Superintendent John Dolan's notice read:

"We have been informed by counsel that the NYS Attorney General is taking the position that the filing of a notice appeal automatically stays the Court’s decision. Until such time as an appeal is filed which stays the Court’s decision, there is no authority to require that masks be worn in school.

As of this evening masks are optional in the East Islip School District. We fully expect further legal action over the next several days regarding masks. We ask that you remain respectful of each other’s opinions as this situation plays out through the courts.