Yorkville School District parents’ group protests mask mandate

Dozens gathered at the Yorkville School District’s 115 Center for Innovation on Countryside Parkway in Yorkville Monday night to protest the district’s decision to adhere to Gov. JB Pritzker’s mask mandate for those attending pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in all Illinois public and private schools, regardless if vaccinated for COVID-19 or not.

That decision was shared via email on Aug. 4. Originally, District 115 was to consider a recommendation on mask wearing at Monday’s meeting, but that was scrapped after the governor’s mandate established the mask requirement for the beginning of the new school year.

Molly Gerke, speaking on behalf of UnMask115, a Facebook group for those who are against the mask mandate in District 115, said they “refuse to cede the health decisions of our children to the governor.”

In the District’s email it is stated that Pritzker’s mandate follows similar recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics and Kendall County Health Department.

Monday’s meeting was a board committee session, so there was not an opportunity for public comment. Still, Gerke was able to distribute a list of nine questions to district officials and asked them to explain their answers in writing. Among the questions were: “Are you requiring masks because you believe the governor’s mandate is legally binding?” and “Will you issue a letter to parents from the district obtaining parents’ informed consent for the medical intervention that is mask wearing?”

The district’s Aug. 4 email stated that attention will continue to be directed towards developing and implementing health and safety plans that are flexible, allowing for changing internal and local health conditions. Furthermore, it reiterates that guidance from Gov. Pritzker, as well as from other national, state and local officials will continue to be incorporated into the district’s planning and shared with stakeholders.

Maskless protestors initially packed inside the Center for Innovation before retreating outside when they realized they wouldn’t be heard. An elementary school child was among a few attendees holding signs. While many voiced their displeasure with the mask mandate in conversations, Gerke was the only one willing to speak directly to the media.

“Through his mandate, Gov. Pritzker had told us that the voices of Yorkville parents and employees do not matter,” she said. “We support parents who want the option to send their kid to school with a mask. We support educating our children not to bully or make fun of those that choose to wear a mask.

“We do not support elected politicians stripping parents of their rights to protect their own children.”

The next board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 23 and UnMask115 members plan on being there to continue protesting.