A group of parents, coaches, referees and athletes in Minnesota is preparing to file a lawsuit that would challenge governor Tim Walz’s order that requires high school and youth athletes to wear masks during competition.
The group, Let Them Play, withdrew a previous lawsuit contesting the governor’s order to “pause” winter youth sports seasons and has not expanded it to include a challenge of the mask mandate.
“Returning to practice is one step forward, but imposing masks during sports are a dangerous two steps back for Minnesota’s young people,” Let Them Play founder and Executive Director Dawn Gillman told St. Paul NBC affiliate. “We don’t want another kid to pass out, or worse, at practice or upcoming game. We call on Governor Walz to stop harming our athletes.”
Let Them Play alleges that state officials have failed to show evidence that prove masks prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
“Governor Walz continues to irrationally harm Minnesota’s kids,” said Let Them Play’s attorney, Sam Diehl. “Let Them Play will continue the fight until Minnesota’s kids can safely play.”
Walz put youth and high school sports on pause back in November but has since allowed them to return to practices. Competitions can resume Jan. 14 but all coaches and players are required to wear masks.
