5:20 p.m. ET, August 18, 2021
Biden directs education secretary to use federal authorities against governors who block school mask mandates
From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury
President Joe Biden speaks from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18.
(Susan Walsh/AP)
President Biden criticized governors who are "trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators" over the use of masks in schools, calling the actions "wrong" and "unacceptable."
"Some are even trying to take power away from local educators by banning masks in school. They're setting a dangerous tone," he said. "This isn't about politics, it's about keeping our children safe. It's about taking on the virus together, united. I've made it clear that I'll stand with those who are trying to do the right thing," Biden added.
Biden announced that he is directing Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to use "all of his oversight authorities and legal action, if appropriate, against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators," as they attempt to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Biden continued, "If you aren't going to fight Covid-19, at least get out of the way of everyone else who's trying. You know, we're not going to sit by as governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children."
Biden said that if a governor is threatening to withhold pay from an educator, federal resources from the American Rescue Plan can be used to pay the salary, "100%."
"The CDC, says masks are critical, especially for those who are not yet vaccinated like our children under the age of 12. So let's put politics aside. Let's follow the educators and the scientists, who know a lot more about how to teach our children and keep them safe than any politician. This administration is always going to take the side of our children," the President said.
The comments were Biden’s latest against governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas who have blocked mask mandates, although he did not do so by name.
Biden thanked officials who were standing up to their state and local officials and said he was not going to “sit by as Governors try to block and intimidate educators protecting our children.”
CNN's Allie Malloy contributed reporting to this post.