Declaring it's safe, Gov. Doug Ducey is ordering all schools to return to in-person and teacher-led instruction.

During February, which is Black History Month, it is a good time to look upon the triumphs and tragedies in African American history. Movies like Harriet tell of heroes of the Underground Railroad and the struggle against slavery. It is good to honor those stories. There is, however, one tragedy of the African American community that is often overlooked: the tragedy of legalized abortion.

States are moving to restrict exemptions. As outbursts of measles plague our nation and others, it is strange to see Arizona work to make its children less safe, undermining what courts and public health officials have described as the gold standard for preventing infections--reduced exemptions.

“Shut your mouth.” That’s what a pediatrician said to me when I simply questioned where Vitamin K is mandated for my newborn baby.

I’m very concerned with the increase in the number children attending Arizona schools who are not vaccinated. But, beyond posing a threat to the community-based protection many people need, as an economist I recognize the cost implications that accompany the decision to avoid vaccines.

Calling it a matter of public safety, Gov. Doug Ducey wants all youngsters in Arizona public schools to be vaccinated against various childhood diseases.