Uwharrie Charter drops mask requirement

ASHEBORO — Uwharrie Charter Academy will not require mask wearing when schools open in the Fall. The K-12 public charter joins Randolph County Schools in relaxing mask rules.

On Monday the Randolph County School Board adopted a resolution ending mask mandates in the county’s largest school system for the 2021-2022 school year. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the board, is effective immediately which allows teachers and students currently in summer school programs to make their own choices regarding mask usage. The new board policy cites CDC guidance and the board’s concern for individuals’ rights to make decisions regarding their own personal health in making the change. The resolution also said harassment, discrimination, bullying, or intimidation based a person’s decision to wear or not wear a mask would not be tolerated.

The Asheboro City Board of Education will likely take up the question of mask mandates at their August 12 meeting, according to the school board’s press office.

Mask rules are changing across the state as Gov. Roy Cooper ended mandatory school mask rules at a press conference Tuesday.

By Randolph Record