Southwell vs. McKee (RI) Mask Mandate Update: Plaintiffs Were Agreeable To Judge Lamphear's Going Forward Proposal But State Shockingly Refused

The Southwell vs. McKee started off as a lawsuit against the state regarding mask mandates. The state had imposed a mask mandate, along with other restrictions, and justified the need with the backing of the Rhode Island Department of Health. However, RIDOH could not produce either the regulation or scientific studies that could back their claims.

Over the course of eighteen months and several attempts by Judge Lamphear to compel the state to produce materials, he drafted a proposal with a sincere belief that both parties would find it reasonable bringing the lawsuit to a conclusion. The proposal was simple going forward without admission of past fault by the state but would require a permanent regulation be written by the Rhode Island Department of Health prior to any future mask mandates. The permanent regulation would be created using the current standards. Other proposals were discussed.

Judge Lamphear presented the proposal to both parties in February of 2023 and ample time to examine. On 3/10/23, both parties appeared in chamber to either accept or refuse the proposal. The plaintiffs were ready to accept the reasonable proposal. The state, in amazement to the Judge and plaintiffs, refused to agree with the proposal and neither offered a reason nor the person(s) who made the decision.

The judge gave the state an additional week to reconsider. A video conference is scheduled for March 21, 2023.

The Ocean State Current has been following this lawsuit since inception. For more information, visit their page here: https://oceanstatecurrent.com/breaking-march-10-2023/