Missouri attorney general’s office opens investigation into CPS mask mandates

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a letter Wednesday that he will be opening an investigation into Columbia Public Schools' failure to comply to end COVID-19 mask mandates.

This comes after the state's attorney general's office received information from CPS parents that the district is not following the court order to terminate COVID-19 requirements.

Schmitt said, "Due to the information we have received about Columbia Public Schools we have sent a cease and desist demanding an end to these policies and have opened n investigation into the school district's actions."

In the letter, Schmitt says, "parents are tired of this, and as their elected attorney general, so am I."

"As a father of three, I know how critical it is to ensure that children receive a quality education and the importance for parents to be well-informed on the education decisions that impact their child," Schmitt stated in the letter.

Amanda Hamlin, a CPS parent, has four children in the district and says there is no consistency. Hamlin says her son attends Hickman High School where masks are required but not enforced, while at the career center masks are mandatory.

The letter also states the AG"s office has recently proposed a parent's bill of rights that would guarantee that parents can be active participates in their child's education.

ABC 17 News did reach out to Columbia Public Schools for comment about the announcement of an investigation and has not heard back.