The Political and Judicial Battles Over Mask Mandates for Schools

(This opinion essay was first published for the JAMA Health Forum on October 28, 2021.)

Stanford Research into Malpractice Claims and Chronically-Sued Physicians: Where Do They Go?

If there is one image that encapsulates the bitter clashes over COVID-19 policy in the US, it is surely the face mask.1,2 Schools have become ground zero in ongoing battles over whether the US public must mask up.

Less than a month into the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended wearing masks to reduce transmission. At the time, evidence of their effectiveness was modest; it has since become stronger.35 Local and state public health orders have required masks in indoor and in some cases outdoor public spaces.

Early challenges to these mandates were brought by individuals and businesses claiming incursions on their liberty.

(Continue reading the opinion essay on the JAMA Health Forum page here.)