Biden administration says states banning mask mandates in schools could face civil rights investigations

President Biden has ordered his Education secretary to explore possible legal action against states, including Florida, that have blocked school mask mandates. The Education Department says such bans could amount to discrimination and civil rights violations.

Hochul says statewide mask mandate for schools is likely

Speaking at P.S. 143 in Queens, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul indicated she will likely issue a statewide mask mandate for schools after she assumes the office of governor.

NY schools prep for fall sports but COVID could change things

When the New York State Department of Education released guidance for reopening schools, it also recommended that high-risk fall contact sports, such as football or volleyball, in high-transmission areas should be canceled or held virtually.

Mask clash shuts down school board meeting in Rockland County

A Rockland County school board called off a meeting this week after attendees angrily bucked being told to wear masks

National Education Association supports vaccine mandates, COVID-19 testing

The nation’s largest teachers’ union issued a statement on Thursday supporting the use of FDA-authorized vaccines or regular COVID-19 testing for all public school educators.

NYC sticking to plan for students to return to in-person learning

A slew of new guidance was released Thursday to help safely reopen New York's public and Catholic schools, as the debate over whether there should still be a remote option continues.

'COVID fee': 2 colleges in West Virginia, Alabama billing unvaccinated students

A college in West Virginia and another in Alabama will be charging students unvaccinated against COVID-19 hundreds of dollars in extra fees this fall.

School districts defy GOP leaders banning mask mandates

The highly contagious delta variant is fueling a surge in coronavirus cases as students return to classrooms.

California school staff must be fully vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID testing

California became the first state Wednesday to implement a policy that requires all school staff to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.

School supply shortage: Why these back-to-school items could be hard to find

From backpacks to clothes to electronics, supply shortages could make your back-to-school shopping harder this year. An expert explains why.

NY Education Department to give schools guidance on COVID protocols

New York's Education Department is now stepping in. In a letter to district superintendents Tuesday, the commissioner promised guidance based on CDC guidelines to come before September.

NYC students are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible

Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter is making a plea to all eligible students to get vaccinated as we learn of nearly 94,000 reported new pediatric COVID-19 cases across the country.

Could parents sue if a child gets COVID-19 from an unvaccinated teacher? Legal experts weigh in

As children return to school, parents are concerned with how best to protect their child from COVID-19. Legal experts say even if a child does get sick, it’ll be hard to place the blame on educators.

Murder trial underway for teacher who allegedly ate pieces of victim's body

A 41-year-old teacher who is accused of having killed another man and eaten pieces of the victim's body went on trial Tuesday in Germany's capital.

Vaccination rate among eligible NYC schoolchildren still lags

Monday was the last day for eligible students in New York City to get their shots in order to be fully vaccinated by the first day of school on Sept. 13.

Lakeville school district sued over 'Black Lives Matter' posters

A group of Lakeville families have filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school district alleging officials allowed "Black Lives Matter" posters in schools, but did not allow "All Lives Matter" posters. 

Fake COVID-19 vaccine cards online worry college officials

Universities and law enforcement officials are concerned with the circulation of fake COVID-19 vaccine cards sold online amidst the growing number of colleges and universities requiring proof of vaccination.

US teachers’ union leader supports vaccine mandate for educators as delta variant surges

As the delta variant continues to surge, and young children continue to be ineligible for the vaccine, the U.S. teachers’ union leader said she personally supports a vaccine mandate for educators.

School mask mandates spark confusion, conflict in NY and NJ

New York state is leaving it up to individual districts to set their own rules, locally. New Jersey, on the other hand, will implement a mask mandate statewide.