Author: ABC Columbia Staff

Governor McMaster’s executive order allows parents to opt out of mask mandate

See list of schools on our website for updates

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — The Governor’s Executive Order prohibits any local governments in the state from relying on prior orders or using a state of emergency as the basis for a local mask mandate. It also gives parents in the state the right to opt out of mask requirements in schools. We have a list of schools that have send…

South Carolina schools mask mandate updates

In accordance to Governor McMaster's latest executive order SC schools release updates

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Tuesday May 11, Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order Executive Order 2021-23, allowing all schools in the state of South Carolina to opt out of the state guidelines for facial coverings within school buildings. Following the Governor’s order, school districts across the state have decided to release their own compliance to the mask mandates. Schools…

Richland Two announces it will still require students wear face coverings

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – Despite an executive order from the Governor Tuesday, Richland School District Two announced it will still require students wear face coverings at its schools. The executive order gave parents the power to opt their children out of wearing masks in public schools. However, the announcement from Richland Two shared a message received by the state Department…

Mask wearing now optional in Lexington Richland District Five

Dozens came to Monday nights meeting to speak for and against continued mask wearing

Lexington,SC (WOLO) — Emotions rang high in and outside of the Lexington Richland meeting Monday night. Dozens of parents, teachers and students stood up for and against having to wear a mask option in school. Despite protests and various opinions on the mandate, the board ultimately voted in favor of allowing facial coverings to be optional, but strongly encourage their…

UofSC President apologizes for commencement speech oversight

President Caslen: ' I am truly sorry...I take full responsibility for this oversight.'

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — During graduation ceremonies over the past weekend, University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen spoke to students, staff and parents. Monday however, he started to get flack from some who noticed a few errors in his address Friday. President Caslen has publicly acknowledged the mishaps and issued an apology. According to U of SC, during his…