JERSEY: Student led anti-mask protest at JCHS

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By Carissa Sitki

An anti-mask protest was held in front of Jersey Community High School (JCHS) at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday.
After nearly two years of masking in schools, some JCHS students and parents are ready to unmask in the classroom.

The protest was organized by Justin Laird, a 16-year-old sophomore at JCHS. The day started with a sit-in protest, where students entered school with no masks. In total, 15 students and 11 adults participated in the protest and stood outside of the school, along State Street. An additional 15 students participated in the sit-in.

According to Laird’s father, Jeremy Laird, maskless students were escorted into the auditorium where they would have been required to spend the rest of the day for failing to wear a face covering.

“At that point, the 30 students staged a walk out,” Jeremy said.

Jeremy said that the community was very supportive, honking and waving as they passed the demonstration. Jeremy added that the school administration and local police were very complimentary on the peaceful way the protesters handled themselves.

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In a Facebook post, Jeremy shared information about the protest. The post, made on Jan. 28, encouraged students to shed their masks, make signs and join the demonstration. Jeremy made several subsequent posts to get the word out.

Justin emphasized his belief that the community members most affected by the mask mandates should get a voice when it comes to the decision whether or not to wear them daily.

“I think it’s time that the students and parents of this county have a say in what goes on inside the walls of their schools,” Justin said. “I’m so grateful that parents and students came together this morning to support one another in this battle to free this school.”

According to Jeremy, there has been a growing interest, among parents and students alike, when it comes to the implementation of school policies and procedures.

“The students and parents have shown great interest in getting more involved in local politics, procedures and decision making and I think it will be great for the students and the younger generation to understand how it is to be hands-on in the community,” said Jeremy.

This is only the beginning, according to Justin, who plans to continue to push back against the mandate.
“We’re just getting started I believe the numbers will grow everyday,” Justin said.

Parents and students throughout the state planned similar anti-mask demonstrations. The protests unfolded as a Sangamon County circuit court judge prepares to rule on a lawsuit against 146 Illinois school districts that challenged the mandate.
The Jersey County Journal was unable to get comment from JCHS school officials prior to this publication.