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.
“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.