As a parent with children in elementary and middle school in the Portland school district, I was dismayed to read about the Portland school board’s decision to mask its students indefinitely (“Portland schools not ready to lift mask mandate despite change in guidelines,” March 3). This decision, combined with a failure to provide criteria that would end the mandate, is contrary to the recommendations of federal and state institutions, public health organizations and the city of Portland itself.

It appears that the school board, along with some constituents, does not see any downside to masking – that wearing masks isn’t a big deal, particularly to children. The fact is, wearing masks is a very big deal. Emotional facial recognition is crucial to human interaction and understanding.

To say nonverbal communication cues do not play an important role in interpersonal relations is dishonest at best. To obscure one of, if not the, most expressive features people possess is not insignificant, particularly for children and their developing brains. Facial expression and recognition are especially important for children (and adults) with developmental disabilities, speech and hearing difficulties, and non-native English speakers.

We can spend time identifying subgroups who are most affected by masking and why, but the reality is covering the lower half of the face affects all children’s development and interactions and is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

I sincerely hope that the board will reconsider its decision so that school-aged children in Portland can experience the same freedom they enjoy outside of school.

Moire Madden
Portland

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