Governor JB Pritzker received another setback on Thursday, when the Appellate Court ruled against the Court decision made by Judge Raylene Grischow over mask mandates in school.  In a 6 page ruling, the Appellate Court dismissed the appeal saying it was “moot” as JCAR (the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) had already rendered the decision void. 

A huge point in the ruling was that the Appellate Court says that schools may act independently and enforce their own rules. After the IDPH renewed the emergency rules on September 17th, JCAR objected to and suspended the IDPH renewal of those rules. 

The Illinois Education Association released a statement on the ruling from the court saying, “We appreciate the clarity brought forth in the Fourth District Appellate Court’s decision last night dismissing defendants’ appeal of the temporary restraining order.” The IEA continued by stressing that students crave consistency and frustration over Judge Grischow’s decision on February 4th.  They also warned that mitigation efforts weren’t political and that they are put in place to keep loved ones safe. 

Governor JB Pritzker says that he is disappointed in the appellate court’s decision and concerned for the health of those in school and the ability to continue in-person learning. He also says he will be requesting an expedited review from the Illinois Supreme Court. He continues to urge everyone to wear masks and also says he is encouraged that school districts can continue to keep their own mitigations in place.