The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to urge that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education upholds Gov. John Bel Edwards' mandate calling for masking in schools. The health and safety of our children, our teachers and our school staff are in the hands of BESE members. They should put children first and reject those who seek political gain. And let's face reality -- the best way to keep schools open for in-person learning is to preserve the health of students and teachers in our classrooms.