Since she was little, my daughter Ava has been eager to accompany me to protests and political events. Now that she’s 12, her interest in social justice has only grown. So when I discovered that local medical professionals were hosting a press conference regarding our school district’s health and safety plan, I was thrilled to take her along. Little did I know, I would soon regret that choice.
The press conference was scheduled before the Central Valley School District’s board meeting, where they would vote on the 2021/2022 Health and Safety plan. Alarmingly, the proposed plan lacked any COVID safety measures – no masks, no contact tracing, and no requirement for parents to inform the school if their child tested positive for COVID. With over 18,000 students in the district, this decision to ignore federal safety guidelines could have serious repercussions for our community.
A petition supported by 173 doctors advocating for adherence to CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines on mask-wearing was to be presented by the speakers. We arrived early to assist with the setup. As the doctors prepared their notes, I glanced at Ava, who was wide-eyed and eager to hear their insights. I felt a rush of pride knowing I was helping her understand how science can shape policy.
Joyful music filled the air as the first speaker approached the microphone. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted when a large group of individuals wielding “no masks” signs surged toward the front. Some even positioned themselves behind the speaker, holding their signs above her head. The pediatrician speaking appeared visibly rattled as the anti-mask crowd shouted and hissed during her speech.
As the press conference progressed, tensions escalated. When a doctor of color took the stage, someone in the crowd shouted “illegal alien!” and “Nazi!” When a Black man attempted to keep the anti-mask individuals from crowding the speakers, a woman mockingly yelled, “I can’t breathe.” A local news outlet later reported that this same woman swiped at the man as he held the microphone for one of the speakers.
Regrettably, children were not exempt from the harassment. When a 16-year-old girl shared her experience of losing family members in India due to COVID, someone in the crowd yelled, “I don’t give a shit!” Even Ava faced bullying; a woman shoved her phone in her face, demanding she state that no children had died from COVID.
As the atmosphere became increasingly hostile, Ava, known for her spirited nature, sought comfort by my side. I wrapped my arms around her to shield her from the chaos.
After the press conference, we joined other supporters of COVID safety to share our experiences. One speaker mentioned that while she was talking, an anti-mask woman whispered sexual innuendos and personal insults to distract her. Several students recounted being shoved, cursed at, and threatened. Others described how anti-mask individuals encroached on their personal space and pushed cameras in their faces.
With these distressing experiences weighing heavily on us, we moved into the building for the school board meeting that followed the press conference. Despite the somber mood, Ava remained optimistic. “The school board will HAVE to make us wear masks now,” she said confidently. “Why would they listen to those loud angry people instead of the doctors?”
Sadly, the school board chose to heed the angry crowd. They voted against implementing any COVID safety measures for the upcoming school year, despite the CDC designating Bucks County as a community of substantial transmission and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending masks for all students over the age of 2.
This troubling experience at the school board meeting was not an isolated incident. School districts nationwide are grappling with similar bullying and a disregard for scientific evidence. Our community, situated in a swing county, is particularly susceptible to these occurrences. National groups are targeting us as a battleground to influence school boards and promote anti-science, anti-equality policies. Right-wing PACs have funneled considerable funds to elect these anti-mask advocates to school board positions.
So, what comes next? How can I send my children to school knowing there will be no COVID safety regulations? How can I protect my community from being overtaken by those who disregard science and civility? I don’t have all the answers. But Ava does! She’s already been discussing with her friends the possibility of forming a club for middle school students aimed at advocating for science-based and equitable policies and curricula. I couldn’t be prouder.
For more insights and resources, check out this post on our other blog, and if you’re looking for expert advice on fertility, visit Make a Mom.
Summary:
The author took her 12-year-old daughter to a press conference about COVID safety in their school district, hoping to inspire her with a firsthand view of civic engagement. However, they encountered hostility from an anti-mask crowd, leading to distressing incidents that included harassment directed at children. The school board ultimately voted against implementing any COVID safety measures, aligning with the vocal opposition rather than scientific recommendations. Despite the turmoil, the daughter expressed a desire to organize her peers to advocate for science and equity in policy.
Leave a Reply