Think Tank discusses Arizona schools, masks and COVID-19

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has dug in on enforcing a ban on mandated masks in schools despite a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the state due to the prevalence of the more infectious delta variant.

Meanwhile, the list grows of schools and other institutions that have implemented mask mandates in defiance of the governor’s order. These include Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, the Maricopa County Community Colleges and an ever-growing list of school districts.

Some in the legislature have pressured the governor to punish recalcitrant school districts financially.

We have a panel of guests to discuss differing aspects of the issue:

• Dr. Jacquie Carter is a pediatrician who presented a petition to Ducey signed by over 150 physicians urging him to mandate masks in public schools in Arizona.

• Sophia Carrillo Dahl is vice president of the Creighton School District board, which has implemented a school mask mandate in defiance of the governor’s order.

• Toni Cani is a political consultant who will discuss the political implications of the impasse.

The Think Tank airs on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturday 6-7 p.m. and Sunday 9-10 p.m.

Podcasts are available after broadcast.