President Biden has ordered the U.S. Education Secretary to explore whether a civil rights law gives the federal government authority to overturn state bans on mask mandates in schools. Iowa is one of six states that forbids local school officials from requiring students and staff wear face coverings at school.

In May, Governor Kim Reynolds and Republican lawmakers passed a ban on mask mandates in schools. The U-S Education Secretary sent Reynolds a letter yesterday (Wednesday). It says blocking Iowa schools from taking science-based steps to stop the spread of Covid may infringe on the authority of school boards to adopt plans for the health and safety of students and school staff.