It is unfortunate that the topic of face masks and vaccination, which both protect us from COVID-19, has become a political discussion. This is not a political issue, this is a public health emergency. 

Comparing a scientifically proven mitigation effort to the tragedy of the Holocaust is deplorable. Despite this inexcusable comparison, I am confident that the sentiment shared by the Oklahoma GOP doesn't represent the majority of the OKC community.

Science tells us that the two most important preventative measures that we can take to protect our students from contracting this potentially deadly virus are vaccination and universal masking. I am asking our OKC community to support our efforts to protect the students and staff of OKCPS. We have a responsibility to take care of the children in this community; they are the future. We must protect them to the best of our ability, but we can’t do it alone. Our community must work together to take care of one another. Please get vaccinated if you are eligible and wear a mask, those two actions can and will save lives.