WASHINGTON - In an escalating battle with Republican governors, President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered his Education secretary to explore possible legal action against states that have blocked school mask mandates and other public health measures meant to protect students against COVID-19.In response, the Education Department raised the possibility of using its civil rights arm to fight policies in Florida, Texas, Iowa and other Republican-led states that have barred public schools from requiring masks in the classroom.Biden directed Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to "assess all available tools" that can be used against states that fail to protect students amid surging coronavirus cases.RELATED: Students returning to Hillsborough.