News

Maine dad sues school system over mask mandate

Maine dad sues school system over mask mandate

Photo: clipart.com


BANGOR, Maine (AP) A father is suing in federal court over a mask mandate imposed on his 12-year-old daughter in the Winslow school system.

The lawsuit names the town of Winslow, school board, public schools and Superintendent Peter Thiboutot as defendants, and accuses them of “aggrandizing” the risk COVID-19 poses to children.

In the lawsuit, filed Friday, Scott Fortuna contends the mask mandate violates his rights under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution “to make decisions concerning the medical care of his child.” The lawsuit said COVID-19 poses “little, if any, health risk to children.”

Fortuna, who lives in Penobscot County, could not be reached immediately for comment. His attorney didn’t immediately return a message.

Face masks have been a flashpoint in pandemic politics since the earliest weeks of the government response to the virus.

Mask mandates were eased in the spring, but they’re coming back with a COVID-19 resurgence caused by the delta variant.

Masks are currently recommended in 15 of the state’s 16 counties by the Maine Center for Disease Control.

Latest Headlines

5 hours ago in Local

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Study Costs of Climate Change

The bill passed mostly on party lines this week

6 hours ago in Local

Judge Gives DOJ Access to Maine Sports Rosters, But Not List of Transgender Athletes

The judge questioned the motivation of the federal request for information on transgender athletes.

10 hours ago in Local

Motorcyclist killed in 3-vehicle crash in Raymond

A motorcyclist was killed in a three-vehicle in crash in Raymond on Monday evening.

10 hours ago in Local

New data show most ICE detainees in Maine immigration sweep did not have criminal convictions

New data shows only a fraction of nearly 200 people arrested during January’s immigration enforcement surge in Maine had criminal convictions.

20 hours ago in Local, National

A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays

It has a catchy name — Build America, Buy America — and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back…