Concerned about masking practices and segregation in-schools, a group gathered on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 to ask SD57 to please let children breathe.

Parents and citizens concerned about the well-being of children while in school, lined Ferry Avenue in front of the School District 57 office with a message that they do not consent to mandatory masking of children and do not consent to segregating students who have mask exceptions.

A child held up a sign that read “LET ME BREATHE PLEASE” while another attendee expressed concern over the developmental difficulties and speech delays that masking is causing children.

Other messaging at the event included:

“STOP SEGREGATING STUDENTS.”

“MASKS: VIOLATE. HUMILIATE. SUFFOCATE.”

“NO MASKS. LET KIDS BREATH, SPEAK, HERE. MASKS=FEAR”

“CHILDREN NEED SMILES. LOSE THE MASK.”

“UNMASK CHILDREN. LET KIDS BE KIDS.”

“NO MORE SEGREGATION. NO MORE MASKS. NO MORE FEAR. FREE THE KIDS.”

“SEGREGATION IS BULLYING.”

As School District 57 staff left for the day, they had an opportunity to read the many heart-felt messages on display. It was noted by one attendee that no member of the SD57 showed an interest in reading the concerns expressed by parents.

N. Smith | Staff Writer | PG Real News