On Thursday afternoon we received a response from the office of Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt (r) complying with our December 9th RSMo § 610 “Missouri Sunshine Law” request for the contents of the illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov email address set up by the Attorney General to solicit complaints about mask wearing in Missouri public schools.

Continuing:

[….]
Subject: Mandates

Hi there,

Mask mandates and quarantines are best practices save lives. Perhaps your time would be better spent encouraging vaccination and continued vaccinations to end this pandemic sooner.

You’d think.

[….]
Subject: Rolla Middle School

My daughter 4th grade student at Rolla Middle school was put on quarantine on Monday, December 6th. Today, Thursday December 9th I called the school to ask if my daughter can come back since the Attorney Geberal released that schools can no longer enforce wearing masks or quarantine to which they stated ‘we are not cahnging our covid protocols at this time your child is to still quarantine’. I’m pretty confused with this conversation and I’m not sure where to go from here. My child has learning disabilities and this is our second quarantine this year. This has been the least productive as she has been in tears multiple times each day and cannot maintain focus. This has been so frustrating and I am severly concerned for my daughters education.

My daughter was exposed by a student in her class. We have monitored sysmptoms. We will test if necessary.

Thanks
[….]

No confusion. Missouri Revised Statutes:

RSMo § 167.191. Children with contagious diseases not to attend school — penalty. — It is unlawful for any child to attend any of the public schools of this state while afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or while liable to transmit such disease after having been exposed to it. For the purpose of determining the diseased condition, or the liability of transmitting the disease, the teacher or board of directors may require any child to be examined by a physician, and exclude the child from school so long as there is any liability of such disease being transmitted by the pupil. If the parent or guardian refuses to have an examination made by a physician at the request of the teacher or board of directors, the teacher or board of directors may exclude the child from school. Any parent or guardian who persists in sending a child to school, after having been examined as provided by this section, and found to be afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or liable to transmit the disease, or refuses to have the child examined as herein provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars.

­­[….]

There you go.

[….]
North St. Francois county school district is continuing the masks mandate on Busses and quarantine
[….]

[….]
Subject: Mask Mandates

Studies show masks work. You think this tactic will win you your next step up the political rung and I fear you are right. You have done nothing productive for our citizens, please stop this insanity.
[….]

[….]
Subject: Fox C6 School District

Fox c6 school district has been violating the new restrictions. They are still enforcing masks for some of their schools. They are still doing modified quarantine and forcing those exposed students to sit alone at lunch and away from others during class time, as well as wearing a mask while playing outside.
I’m a teacher and parent at Fox school district and I’ve seen these rules get in the way of teaching and learning.
I’ve seen school nurses and staff create quarantines based on assumptions and not facts of an actual positive case.
Thank you,
[….]

Interestingly this ‘teacher’ believes their expertise in medicine supercedes that of nurses. Dunning-Kruger writ large.

“…I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate. All those moments will be lost in time… like tears in rain…”

[….]
Subject: Mask mandates

I live in St, Joseph, Mo, my grankids go to Gene Field Elementary School, they are required kids to wear masks at this time. Is this not against what you just fought against? My granddaughter can not breathe in those things and cries when she has to go to school and wear them, she is in first grade. A applaud what you are doing. I’m hoping you can help. Thank you.

Well, that certainly settles everything.

[….]
Subject: Fw: Updated COVID-19 Communication – A Message From: [….]

To whom it may concern:

Below is the latest email that I have received from my child’s school. When he returned in August he was required to wear a mask. November 10th we received an email advising that masks are no longer required. No we are told that the children have to wear a mask again to attend school. Theis needs to be stopped so children can attend school and learn the way they are supposed to. I am all for if they would like to wear a mask on there on free will that is their option but stop forcing it on these children.

If you need the other emails forwarded please let me know.

Thank you for all your help for these children!
[….]

By all means, forward everything you’ve got to Eric Schmitt’s (r) office. In triplicate, just to make certain he receives it.

[….]
Subject: AG Schmitt/This is horrible

AG Schmitt,

I’m a Missouri taxpayer and parent of 2 kids. I’m stunned by your craven use of public funds and attention to advance yourself politically. You are endangering kids and other populations 1) by undermining public health measures 2) using divisive language to further codify disagreements and distrust between different parts of the community.

This is disgusting.

[….]
Subject: Illegal mandates in St. Charles county too

Hello,
I am a parent and kindergarten teacher in the Francis Howell School District. Our district said that we are still required to wear face masks even though our AG said that it was unlawful. I would like to say that I am completely against forcing people to wear a mask, especially if they are fully vaccinated. It completely goes against getting the vaccine and makes people not want to get it if they are forced to wear a mask. I would like people to try and wear a mask for 7 straight hours while trying to teach a room full of 22 five and six year old. It’s impossible!
We were emailed the following statement from our superintendent saying that they can still force us to wear a mask PLEASE HELP US!
[….]

Apparently there’s also a Dunning-Kruger epidemic in Missouri.

If you give a fish a bicycle it’ll snow in July.

[….]
Subject: COVID

Every elected official in this state should be working hard to stem this pandemic. Wear a mask, keep your distance, get vaccinated. That should be your only message. Even the dimmest bulb can understand it. Drop the pretend freedom argument that the anti-science conspiracy teories, and help us stop the virus from spreading.

Embarrassed to be a Missourian.
[….]

“…Even the dimmest bulb can understand it…” Assumes facts not in evidence.

[….]
Subject: School mask policies

Dear Attorney General Schmitt:

You are one of the most dangerous people in the State of Missouri. You are endangering children in the worst way by trying to get rid of mask mandates.

These mandates have been proven scientifically to reduce the risk of infection of Covid and other aitborne disease such as colds and flu. However, you obviosly aren’t interested in real science. You are more interested in political idiocy and grandstanding that you are in protecting Missourians.

I am 100% against your asinine plans to force school systems, such as Springfield to remove their mandates. In fact, Springfield should continue their mandate beyond their planned stoppage in January.

Sincerely,
[….]

“…In fact, Springfield should continue their mandate beyond their planned stoppage in January…” At this point you can probably bet the rent that they will.

[….]
Subject: Mask mandate Pattonville school district

To whom it may concern, I’m writing this to report my child’s school district, Pattonville district, is still continuing with the mask requirement for student. I spoke with the schools superintendent on 12-8-21 at approximately 3:12. He said the district doesn’t intend on changing anything at this time and is waiting to see an appeal and next semester may consider a mask optional policy pending the schools board. I’m respectfully requesting a cease and desist letter be sent to the district immediately as they are in violation of state law.

Sincerely,
[….]

“…at approximately 3:12…” Are you certain?

[….]
Subject: Hi Attorney General Schmitt,

My son who is in the Rockwood School District and attends LaSalle Springs Middle school is being put in a seperate conference room with other students who refused to put a mask on today. They will not allow them into class unless they put a mask on. Their options were to put on a mask, be segregated from their classmates, or for me to pick them up.

Please see email below from the assistant principal who said per Rockwood’s current mitigation strategies would not allow him into class. I have also attached a video of the assistant principal stating that he would not be allowed in the class without a mask.

My daughter who is a kindergartner at Eureka Elementary school in the Rockwood school district was not allowed to go into her classroom without a mask today. Her options were to put on a mask and go back to class, I could pick her up, or she could go into the library and learn on her own for the day.

[….] Is not following the cease and desist letter and all of the administrators state that their mitigation strategies are still in place and nothing has changed. I beleve whatever next steps are needed to take action on this needs to come from your office at this time.

Thank you so much,
[….]

Shorter version: Rules don’t apply to me.

For God’s sake, the kid is in kindergarten. What kind of parent uses their child like this?

[….]
Subject: Libert High School

My son, [….] is a sophomore at Liberty High School. This morning he went to school unmasked, and armed with a copy of the AG’s letter to [….] instructing him to cease and desist. Prior to his second class of the day, he was confronted by a teacher [….] Although my son is not in his class, he has had several run-ins with him previously regarding masks. This morning [….] entered the classroom and sat down. [….] asked if he had a mask. [….] responded that he did not have a mask, but he did have a statement from the Attorney General that said he he did not have to wear one. [….] the commented, ‘Wow, he’s got a little letter from the Attorney General, isn’t that cute’. He said that while laughing. At that point, […] advised that it was unconstitutional to wear a mask. [….] became upset and told [….] to go to the office. [….] did as instructed and had to wait for the principal to become available to talk with him. When she called him into the office she said, ‘So, you don’t want to wear a mask?’ [….]responded, ‘No mam’. She then said ‘alright then’ and advised him he could no longer go to school. She called me to pick him up. When I asked herto justify denying the AG’s order, she advised she had to ebforce the policies of the school district. I emailed both [….] and [….] after taking my son home asking for clarification regarding the defiance of the AG’s order. I also inquired about the effect this would have on [….] academics. I was told to refer to the Superintendent’s previous email about not complying with the AG and the Court’s decision regarding masking. Additionally, I was advised I would have to call daily to excuse [….] absences and that all his schoolwork will need to be done at home. He will have to make special arrangements to take his finals, in the office by himself. Please let me know if you need any additional information or have any recommendations for how to resolve this issue and get my son back to school.

Thank you,
[….]

Assign a forty page research paper. Primary sources – monographs, periodicals, court precedents, statutory references. No websites, no Google, no Wikipedia. End notes. And the kid can do a twenty-five page paper.

It appears that the school was accommodating when it came to the kid’s academic work.

Parents, don’t raise your kids to be entitled assholes. One generation is enough.

[….]
Subject: Mask mandates!

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I am ashamed of you! Mask mandates SAVE LIVES but you, in all reality, don’t give a flying fuck about anyone but yourself. Sad!
[….]

[….]
Subject: Illegal mandates

How are you? Hope all is well and you haven’t been adversely affected by the global pandemic. My family and I have managed to avoid infection of the novel Corona virus by following the eveloping scientific research of health experts of infectious diseases.

Two of my children until recently were too young to receive a vaccine and are still not fully protected by it. Thank goodness their school chooses to enforce a masking policy to keep them and their classmates, teachers, bus drivers, other staff members and all of their families that much safer. By looking out for the other people in our community and their welfare and health we can help promote the success of our community. Now is not the time for self-serving politicians to try and divide our communities so you can further your own personal agenda. You are putting our children, our families, our communities, and our state at risk. Why don’t you follow the scientific evidence and help save lives instead? The children have no problems wearing a mask to school, it is the selfish adults who can not handle it. Why don’t we just worry about surviving this global crisis without more needless casulaties instead of trying to get a senate seat?

[….]
Subject: Visitation School

Hello
Thank you!
Visitation School is still forcing masks.
Please help us.
[….]

Any bets on Eric Schmitt (r) actually pursuing this?

[….]
Subject: Them damn schools

Thank you for doing the Lord’s work in killing all the Missouri babies. Most of them are the spawn of Republicans, and the world will be much better without them. Bless you.

A Concerned Citizen

We’re pretty sure that was sarcasm.

[….]
Subject: Mask Mandates

Mr. Schmitt,

I am opposed to your plan to punish schoold districts who plan to keep their mask mandates. Many schools and communities have found that mask mandates have been an effective way to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus, as shown by scientific and community studeies.
It is disheartening to see politicians use this pandemic for political purposes, as shown by your and others’ ploitical aspirations. Unfortunately Missourians and other states are at the mercy of politicians in this pandemic. If your purposes were for the people of Missouri, you would not be punishing children, families and educational professionals for your political gain.
Your response would be appreciated.
[….]

“…Your response would be appreciated…” Don’t hold your breath.

[….]
Subject: “Illegal mandates” hotline report

The activity this AG office has engaged in – is disgusting.

Turning citizens against each other intentionally, shameful.

Mis-representing the status of law in Missouri is a complete failure of the AG office.

Your office is helping a virus – during a global pandemic.

A simple policy tp prevent spread of virus is not “tyranny”.

I’d like to report the AG has abandoned reason, and has inserted his unfettered opinion in place of actual policy.

Thank you.
[….]

[….]
Subject: Mask Mandates

My Son is a 36 year old young man that teaches at a MO HS and I couldn’t be more relieved that he has a common sense, science based administration and school board that knows masks AND vaccination is theproper, intelligent appraoch to health for ALL humans. It’s also a fact that a study performed for our state concluded that masking helps detr and individual’s risk and transfer to others, so why are youperpetuating this dangerous view Sir? Please stop politicizing this simple and completely safe practice. I worked as a union laborer for 40 years and not only had to wear N95 masks for up to 16 hours a day, but even had to qualify to wear a respirator while working in infectious disease environments, and alive because of it. I fully support vaccinating and mask use when in large events in closed quarters. I WILL do everything I can to thwart those that lie about masking superiority to fend of this insidious virusthat you seen hell bent on allowing to maim and kill. To date I’ve lost 27 family/friends and those friends children. My wife works for a large hospital system and dealing with viewpoints such as yours is pushing her to the brink. Our economy and health system CAN NOT survive another shut down. Again Sir,
[….]

[….]
Subject: Eric Schmitt Mask Mandates

You will never earn my vote. God bless and may the Peace of Christ be with you.
[….]

“Bless your heart” would have also worked.

[….]
Subject: Webster Groves School District

Dear Mr. Attorney General,

I am informing you that my school district, Webster Groves, just as of tonight 12/9/21 had their board meeting. [….] Superintendent, has stated that they are keeping mask mandate and quarantining of children.

Please know the other concern that came to light is testing children in school. I do not consent of any one testing my children.

At what point do these people get held accountable? At what point do parents have a say about medical restrictions put over our kids mouth and nose?

Please help.
[….]

At this point you get held accountable – Missouri Revised Statutes:

RSMo § 167.191. Children with contagious diseases not to attend school — penalty. — It is unlawful for any child to attend any of the public schools of this state while afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or while liable to transmit such disease after having been exposed to it. For the purpose of determining the diseased condition, or the liability of transmitting the disease, the teacher or board of directors may require any child to be examined by a physician, and exclude the child from school so long as there is any liability of such disease being transmitted by the pupil. If the parent or guardian refuses to have an examination made by a physician at the request of the teacher or board of directors, the teacher or board of directors may exclude the child from school. Any parent or guardian who persists in sending a child to school, after having been examined as provided by this section, and found to be afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or liable to transmit the disease, or refuses to have the child examined as herein provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars.

­­[….]

There you go, dumbass.

[….]
Subject: My kid is muzzled!

I want to let you know that my kid is muzzled! He goes to the following school:

Fuck you and your fascist reporting system.
[….]

“Bless your heart” would have also worked.

[….]
Subject: Archdiocese of St. Louis

Hello,

I am asking and wanting a response on if this mandate applies to Archdiocese schools in St. Louis. My school, St. Joseph-Josephville in Wentzville MO is stating per the Archdiocese this ruling does not impact private schools only public locations and school districts. I am questioning the truth to this staement as they enforced a new mask mandate yesterday saying they are within their rights to do it as a leader of a private school. Please clarify how something can be ‘illegal’ for some schools and not ‘others’. All of their letters related to Covid policy says they meet and have consulted with the St. Charles County Health Department in their decision. Again, my understanding is the county health does not have this authority to advise and tell them what to do either. A prompt response would be greatly appreciated as my child is currently not attending school until more clarity is provided on this issue.
[….]

Sigh. Dunning-Kruger.

“…Please clarify how something can be ‘illegal’ for some schools and not ‘others’…” There’s an old PUBLIC television children’s show that has some sort of song about this.

The St. Charles County Health Department (note the location, in St. Charles County) has the expertise to advise and recommend.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Eric Schmitt (r) to take on the Archdiocese of St. Louis in court.

[….]
Subject: Mask Mandates

It is with deep disappointment that I write this email to Attorney General Schmitt. Wearing a mask is such a simple thing that we do to protect those around us. For him to forbid school districts to use common sense measures to stop the spread of COVID is bad science and bad policy.

Equally distatseful is his use of the public to “rat out” those educators who have worked so hard to keep students and staff safe and productive.

As a fellow Catholic, I thought that Attorney General Schmitt considered himself a “right to life” person. His actions show otherwise.
[….]

Ruh, roh.

[….]
Subject: Bernard middle school Mehlville school district

Hi! I am a concerned mother and I first want to say thank you for standing up for all of us. I greatly appreciate it. Not only does our school inforce the mask mandate , our kids have not had lockers in 2 years. My daughter is in 8th grade I can’t even carry her book bag into the house because it hurts my back. She refuses to wear a coat because anything she brings to school she has to carry with her to each class. It is horrible. Gym clothes, lunch, coats, books , laptop, etc. If you can only help us in anyway to get our kids the respect they deserve by giving them their lockers back we would greatly appreciate it. I addressed this in the bet of the year and basically I was told that if I don’t like the rules I can home school my child, my heart hurts for these kids. Thank you, and please keep up the good work, we will continue to support you.
[….]

Lockers? Seriously?

But you are demonstrating to your child that you believe rules are for other people.

[….]
Subject: Masking

I had to pull my 17 year old and 11 year old out of Eureka High School and Rockwood Valley Middle School because I am on [….] infusion to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis. As their mother, I could die if I contact Covid. Do you think my children could live with the fact that they brought Covid into our household and it killed their mother? If my children suffer mentally and physically because of your actions, this is on you. There is no place in heaven for a man like you.
[….]

It appears that Eric Schmitt (r) is not particularly concerned about this.

[….]
Subject: School District Illegal Quarantine Mandate

Good evening,

My daughter’s district, and the one which I teach, still quarantine perfectly healthy students (those with exposure and no symptoms) and send them home for a mandated 8 days minimum. To came back, students and staff must test negative on days 5-8.

Mandates are illegal, and an invasion of my personal choice and freedoms. This district is Grain Valley R-V and I wish to add it to your list of districts not following the court order. Thank you for your patriotic support.

I would ask to remain anonymous,

Thank you
[….]

Sigh. Dunning-Kruger.

“…To came back, students and staff must test negative on days 5-8…” Well, that’s certainly more accurate than trying to read roadkill entrails.

Missouri Revised Statutes:

RSMo § 167.191. Children with contagious diseases not to attend school — penalty. — It is unlawful for any child to attend any of the public schools of this state while afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or while liable to transmit such disease after having been exposed to it. For the purpose of determining the diseased condition, or the liability of transmitting the disease, the teacher or board of directors may require any child to be examined by a physician, and exclude the child from school so long as there is any liability of such disease being transmitted by the pupil. If the parent or guardian refuses to have an examination made by a physician at the request of the teacher or board of directors, the teacher or board of directors may exclude the child from school. Any parent or guardian who persists in sending a child to school, after having been examined as provided by this section, and found to be afflicted with any contagious or infectious disease, or liable to transmit the disease, or refuses to have the child examined as herein provided, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars.

­­[….]

There you go.

“…I would ask to remain anonymous…” Uh, you sent an email with your name and email address to illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov. Any emails sent to that address are a public record and as such are open to anyone who requests them, with no restrictions. See RSMo § 610. Your name and email address are redacted here because I redacted them. No one else is under any obligation to do the same. You can thank me later.

[….]
Subject: Please help…

Can you send Missouri state troops to these schools that are pushing back so hard to escort these poor babies into school?

I don’t even know what else to do.
[….]

It’s not 1861, and they did lose.

Previously:

A simple request (December 9, 2021)

We get a response (December 14, 2021)

We’re still waiting… (December 31, 2021)

There’s much more to follow (January 6, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – part 1 (January 6, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – part 2 (January 7, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – part 3 (January 8, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – clown (January 8, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – part 4 (January 8, 2022)

illegalmandates@ago.mo.gov – RSMo § 610 – Missouri Sunshine Law – email submissions – Get In Good Trouble (January 9, 2022)