Perceptions and Misinformation on COVID-19 Mask Mandate During Tennessee School Board Meetings: A Qualitative Analysis

Objective: This study investigated perceptions and misinformation regarding COVID-19 mitigation measures at school board meetings (SBM) held within the five largest school districts in Tennessee. Methods: Participants’ commentaries were extracted from SBM recordings that were uploaded to YouTube from August through September 2021. Data were examined using qualitative analysis. Results: Several SBM attendees expressed concerns that mask mandates were unconstitutional and infringed on personal liberty. Others described significant comorbidities, adverse psychosocial impacts, mental health disorders, learning difficulties as well as worsening socioeconomic, nutritional, racial, and educational disparities. Debunked claims that portrayed masks as being ineffective and responsible for some children’s respiratory infections, socio-behavioral changes, learning loss, and breathing difficulties were disseminated. Fatigue and burnout, limited paid leave for quarantining, low staffing numbers as well as mixed messaging, and lack of support from school districts was cited by educators. Conclusion: To bolster public health response to future pandemics, health officials/policymakers should implement health promotion preparedness strategies and policies that support safe/effective in-person learning.Innovation: We proposed recommendations to respond to future pandemics using four overarching themes: implement evidence-based safety measures; address misinformation with tailored, clear, and timely messages; prioritize student support services and in-person learning; and facilitate engagement of relevant stakeholders.