More Parents Protest NJ School Mask Mandate In The Caldwells

CALDWELLS, NJ — They protested. They pleaded. They made demands. And in the end, a group of peeved parents made their position clear at a recent meeting of the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education: we don’t want a mask mandate in our schools.

Earlier this week, a group of incensed parents and community members showed up to the meeting, creating a standing-room only crowd. Speaking during public comment, many of them used their time to blast the state’s mask rule for students. Some alleged that the data doesn’t support Gov. Phil Murphy’s mandate; others argued that it undercuts their rights as parents.

Watch a video of the meeting here.

The Caldwell-West Caldwell school board isn’t the only one to see a surprise appearance from angry parents this month.

Although administrators in the West Essex Regional School District have insisted the decision is out of their hands, it didn’t stop dozens of anti-masking advocates in the Caldwell area from packing a board of education meeting last week.

Some parents present at the meeting refused to put on masks, as per district policy. Eventually, North Caldwell police were called to the scene to help keep the peace.

• See related article: Parents Blast Mask Policy At West Essex School Board Meeting

The issue is causing controversy throughout the region. Some people, including state Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (District 26), have argued that masks in schools are more trouble than they're worth.

Others have countered that masks are a crucial way to protect kids and their families, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is recommending universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools – regardless of vaccination status.

• See related article: Masks In Schools? Debate Continues In Essex County [POLL]
• See related article: Masks In Montclair Schools 'Not A Political Decision,' Official Says

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