A group of students, parents and local residents gathered outside of Fellowes High School in Pembroke on Friday afternoon (February 11th, 2022) to protest COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions in schools.
Danika Miller, a Grade 10 student at Fellowes, says they still have to wear masks indoors at all times, including at lunch between bites of food.
She adds the pandemic has been very stressful as a student and says it was nice to see everyone being respectful at the protest.
Local parent Danielle Lauzon says it’s been tough for her kids during the pandemic. She says they want mandates to end adding it’s not right.
Lauzon says wearing a mask indoors is also a challenge for her younger kids.
Matthew Phillips, another supporter at the protest Friday afternoon, said he’s supporting the rights his nieces and nephews have, but don’t understand yet. He says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has gone above and beyond in terms of COVID-19 mandates.
The protest in Pembroke was one of many taking place today at schools across Ontario.
Some of the signs that were displayed read:
- End mandates for mental health.
- Every child matters.
- No masks!
- We want our freedom back.
- My rights don’t end where your fear begins.
Earlier in the week, the Renfrew County District School Board released a statement saying they support the peaceful exchange of idea and value student voice, but added hateful symbols or messaging that is intended to intimidate would not be tolerated.
The province has recently announced that extracurricular activities including high-contact sports could resume at schools. Local school boards have also said masks will not be required while outdoors if students can remain in their cohorts and maintain physical distance.
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