The Illinois State Board of Education took action against Elmhurst-based Timothy Christian Schools Wednesday by revoking its recognition status for defying a mask mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“You declined to affirm that your schools will comply with the universal masking requirements set forth” in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order on masking indoors in schools on Aug. 4, ISBE State Superintendent Carmen Ayala said.

As a result “ISBE is removing your school’s status as a recognized nonpublic school, effective immediately.”

Consequences will mean that future graduating students’ diplomas will not be recognized by the state and Timothy Christian High School will not be allowed to participate in IHSA sports.

In addition, both the high school and elementary schools will lose access to the Invest in Kids tax scholarship program, and middle school and elementary students will be ineligible to participate in Illinois Elementary School Association sports. The school has preschool through 12th grade classes.

Ayala said in a letter “we do not take this action lightly. The purpose of the universal indoor masking requirement is to ensure that all students can safely attend school in-person this fall.”

Superintendent Matt Davidson said in a video posted Wednesday he and the school board had “taken a prayerful and methodical approach,” to their decision to remain mask optional.

“This isn’t an act of defiance, we’re not puffing our chests out, we’re not ramping up for some big fight,” he said.

The school system will “continue to explore,” the issue and COVID-19 situation, Davidson said.

“We’re going to turn over every stone. But ultimately we’ll make a conclusion on the legality of the announcement by the governor, especially as a private, faith-based educational institution. We believe our health plan will continue to work,” he said.

Ayala said, “we know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential. And masks work best when everyone wears one.”

The Centers for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics are recommending masks inside to keep kids safe in schools as the highly infectious delta variant of COVID-19 is surging across the U.S.

Children ages 11 and younger are not eligible for vaccinations currently.