Hudson Defends Parents' Rights, Urges Passage of the Unmask Our Kids Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) addressed the House floor today in defense of parents' rights as schools continue to implement mask mandates on students. In his remarks, Rep. Hudson urged passaged of H.R. 6619, the Unmask Our Kids Act, which he cosponsored to block federal education funds from going to school districts unless schools provide in-person learning and mask mandates allow parents to opt-out on behalf of their children.
"For hypocrite politicians who want to control your life, it’s rules for thee but not for me," said Rep. Hudson. "It's time to scrap these mandates and give parents the freedom to choose what’s best for their children. If it’s good enough for the politicians, it’s good enough for our kids."
Rep. Hudson's remarks followed a recent photo-op by former Georgia House of Representatives member Stacey Abrams who appeared maskless in a school surrounded by masked children.
Rep. Hudson speaks on the House floor, Feb. 8, 2022. To watch his remarks, click here.
Rep. Hudson highlighted that one day prior to Abrams' photo-op, a 12-year-old student in Cabarrus County was written up and kicked out for insubordination after refusing to wear a mask with support from his father. The student described his difficulty to breathe in a mask, especially when forced to wear it while running during PE class. After an appeal from the student's parent, the school reversed its decision and the Cabarrus County School Board of Education subsequently voted on Feb. 7 to make masks optional. However, Rep. Hudson cited the episode as an example of the consequences many students face.
Following Rep. Hudson's remarks, House Democrats defeated consideration of H.R. 6619.
"Giving parents the option to decide what's best for their children should not be a partisan issue," said Rep. Hudson. "House Democrats may have defeated this bill today, but I will continue advocating for the Unmask Our Kids Act and the rights of all parents."
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