Just to clarify, I’m not here to argue or defend in any way. I’m going to answer the question as I see it.
Why has it become so political?
It all (schools, vaccinations, masking, etc) became a political issue because trump made it political. He decided he was right and, out of personal pride which would not allow him to let go, made it into a mini-war which still affects us. I’m not at all sure it’s ever going to be straightened out. He single-handedly polarized America, imo. Those who were for him became anti-mask, anti-vaccinations, anti-CDC, anti-Fauci, and more anti-Democrat than ever. Those who were against him became supporters of masks, vaccinations, CDC, science, and more anti-Republican than ever. Add to that the strongly held beliefs that were already in place on both sides, and you end up with hatred, intolerance and violence. Sadly, none of us can win this mini-war, we’re all losers because we’re losing our humanity.