It can also be nice to learn as an art form! But in the same way I wouldn't expect mandatory calligraphy lessons - even though that seems like the more logical thing to introduce if we're talking about developing fine skills and learning how to read or write cursive - I don't really see the point of mandatory cursive lessons.
The option seems reasonable to have as an option. But kids are already so overworked in school, with homework and tests having increased exponentially over the last two decades, that getting to remove one thing off of their curriculum seemed like they were finally getting a break.