No mask, no bus on first day of school for Layton boy with autism
LAYTON, Utah (KUTV) — The Neil family in Layton was eager to go back to school — perhaps none more than second grader, Easton.
“He was excited for school, we took first day of school pictures on the porch,” said father, Scott.
But when the bus pulled up for Easton, there was a hard rule — no one boards without a mask.
“Easton’s never been able to wear a mask; he’s autistic and has some sensory issues,” Scott Neil said.
We’re not upset or angry at anybody. We just think that for kids like Easton there needs to be a little latitude and little bit of understanding.”
Mom, Rachelle, tried to negotiate. Easton can pull his shirt over his face — and it was a large bus with just a small number of special needs kids.
“They could’ve social distanced,” she said.
Eventually, the Neils relented and put Easton in the car to go to school — his spirit crushed.
“He was really disappointed, you could see a change as we made the decision,” Scott Neil said.
Eventually, the Neils relented and put Easton in the car to go to school — his spirit crushed. “He was really disappointed, you could see a change as we made the decision,” Scott Neil said. (Photo: KUTV)
Davis School District spokesperson Chris Williams said the governor’s mandate about masks in the classroom extends to bus rides.
The district has created a process for those seeking exemptions that they tried to promote in advance of the first day — communication the Neils say they did not receive.
Williams said the district is making careful documentation of those who cannot wear masks, as well as those considered to be at higher risk for the disease, for their own safety.
“In case someone in a school gets COVID-19, those are the first people we need to contact,” he said.
Even those like Easton in a special education classroom must fill out a form with a doctor’s note, which gets reviewed by a committee comprised of the district’s risk management director and school nurses.
The committee has received 58 requests as of Tuesday. Williams wasn’t aware how many requests have been approved.
The Neils’ request is in now and they will drive Easton to school until they receive a verdict.
The first day did end better than it began for the second grader. He managed a mask for at least some of the day and was all smiles leaving campus.
“He did great today,” Rachelle Neil said. “It just got started — it was a rough start.”