A Travis County judge says the Houston Independent School District can continue mandating masks to protect students and staff from COVID-19.

The judge’s ruling extends a temporary restraining order banning Governor Greg Abbott from enforcing his prohibition on mask mandates in Texas schools.

“The court has made the right decision, “said HISD Superintendent Millard House II. “I believe wearing masks make our students and staff safer. This is not just an organizational decision, it’s a personal decision for me as a parent. I have two children in HISD and the rapid spread of COVID-19 is concerning to me and thousands of other parents.”

HISD joined 19 other Texas independent school districts seeking injunctive relief that will provide local control for districts that educate nearly 1,000,000 students across the State of Texas, including 500,000 students under the age of 12 who are not eligible to be vaccinated.

At the court hearing, Superintendent House testified that masks are needed for the safety of students and staff.