‘Sticking up for my rights’: Local students, adults protesting mask mandates throughout the day

“We are supposed to be able to connect with people, we are supposed to be able to breathe,” Crystal said. “When those two are taken away from us, your emotional health, your mental health, and your physical health all significantly decrease.”

Marshall has been fighting mandates since the start of the pandemic and has been unable to get her kids mask exemptions because they’re healthy.

This afternoon, she and two dozen others gathered in front of the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education’s head office to protest. Supt. Dwayne Zarichny says legislation exists to protect the day-to-day school operations, so protesters went to the board office.

Zarichny listened to the concerns of parents and students.

“I’m just sticking up for my rights,” one student protester said.

“It’s really sad how many people are here trying to fight for their rights,” another added.

Marshall just wants people to have the choice to do what they want.

“This isn’t a democracy, this is not how a democracy works,” she said.

Meanwhile, at Eagle Butte High school, there was another organized protest this morning. Tractors, trucks, parents and students gathered in the school parking lot.

“They didn’t stay for very long,” Angela Baron, director of communications, said. “I think by around 10 o’clock, they had left but it’s also my understanding they came back on a couple of occasions throughout the day.”

Prairie Rose Public Schools says its role is always to provide a positive learning environment. When things like this happen, it does impact students to some extent.

“It’s unfortunate that our students and staff have been put into the middle of a political debate in which school divisions don’t really have the authority to make any changes,” Baron said.

Because public health restrictions are made by the province, protesters are encouraged to contact local members of government.

Since there’s no date to lift mandates, Marshall will keep fighting.

“I want my kid to go to school Monday and not have to wear a mask and for people to smile and hug and accidentally sneeze without fear of being bludgeoned,” Marshall said.

The group plans to continue its protests at the Medicine Hat Public School Division’s head office on Monday.

by Teagan Rasche

‘Sticking up for my rights’: Local students, adults protesting mask mandates throughout the day

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