Students in Pequannock did not wearing masks in the classroom again Wednesday due to the excessive heat, but masks will return Thursday and parents gathered this morning to show their displeasure.

The debate over students wearing masks is similar in other parts of New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy said school districts can now make the decision to make mask-wearing optional. 

The Pequannock superintendent sent out an email telling parents their children did not have to wear masks again today, which was the case Tuesday as well. 

“As multiple districts were relaxing the mask mandate throughout the state and throughout northern New Jersey, ours continues to uphold the mask mandate,” says Marisa Roberto.

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“You know I think that part of the problem is that we tend to wait to see what the governor is going to do, what the districts are going to do and they’re not doing what we need so I think the time of waiting is over,” says Toni Lynn Defilippo.

The parents say their kids cannot breathe properly with the masks on all day and they also get headaches. There was one lone protester supporting the mask mandate. He made his point visually and verbally. 

“Right now, they’re going to be picketing a school that kids are supposed to be learning at today. I mean that’s just the wrong message,” says John Martin.

Many on social media say some of the protesters don’t live or have students in Pequannock. Several also say they don’t live in town but gave their support since they believe all schools should be mask-free. 

The superintendent could not be reached for comment.