Local effect: High court strikes down Whitmer’s powers

by Patrice Johnson

Oct. 2, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) does not have the authority to continue the state of emergency in Michigan. So what does that mean on a local level?

According to the Detroit News, “In a landmark ruling with far-reaching implications, the Michigan Supreme Court decided that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer violated her constitutional authority by continuing to issue orders to combat COVID-19 without the approval of state lawmakers.

SCN Reader Adam Roberts asked if anyone knows what the school is going to do or change now that “the court has ruled the governor’s orders are unconstitutional as of April 30.” He asked if this ruling would change policies. He said he believed students are to wear masks all day on Monday.

According to Superintendent of Schools, Karl Heidrich, “Good question. For now, all of our current COVID-19 plans will continue and remain in effect. We will wait for further direction from our educational associations, Michigan Department of Education, and the Ingham County Health Department before we consider recommending any alterations or changes with our existing plans. We will continue to review guidance as it becomes available.”