On Wednesday, high school students in Douglas County, Colorado walked out of their school to protest classroom mask mandates.
The protests follow the Tri-County Health Department’s decision to require face masks for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status. The vote also prevents individual counties like Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas, from opting out of the requirements.
Students from ThunderRidge High School walked out of class around 9:30 to protest and express their frustration with the mandate.
One student, Austin Knapp, said, “This is going to be the third year of my high school that’s compromised. I want a normal high school career. If you are scared, you can stay home”.
“These people agree with me, they hate masks. And I do, too,” said Cole Bradley.
There’s enough parents, and there’s enough scientific data to show otherwise, that this is just not a necessary option that they have to take, and there are enough students that feel the same way.
Amy Ellis, a student’s parent
Students were soon joined by parents and other students from Ranch View Middle School. Legend High School students also protested around the same time, holding anti-mask signs in the street.
Douglas County Schools stated, “We will work with our families and staff members who cannot tolerate a mask due to medical or mental health reasons” and the mandate is to remain in place until the end of the year.